Psalms 51:17
The “sacrifices” that God wants are on the inside—the brokenness of repentance. God won't reject a broken and sorrowful heart.
Free Bible Version
In The King James Version
In Context
16For sacrifices don't make you happy, or I would bring one; burnt offerings aren't what pleases you.
18Be kind to Zion, help the city; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Cross References
2 Kings 22:19because you were receptive and repentant before God when you heard his warnings against this place and against its people—that would become desolate and a curse—and because you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I have also heard you, declares the Lord.
Psalms 22:24For he has not ridiculed or scorned the suffering of the poor; he has not turned away from them, he has listened to their cries for help.
Psalms 102:17He will pay attention to the prayers of the homeless; he will not disregard their requests.
Psalms 147:3He heals the broken-hearted, and bandages the wounded.
Isaiah 61:1The Spirit of the Lord God is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to announce liberation to the captives, to set the prisoners free,
Ezekiel 9:3The glory of the God of Israel rose from its usual place on the cherubim and went over to the Temple entrance. The Lord called out to the man dressed in linen with the writing kit,
Matthew Henry on Psalms 51:15-19
Penitential Petitions. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then shalt thou… Read the whole commentary →