Psalms 51:19 Commentary

Verse Reference: Psalms 51:19 - "Then shall thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar."

Introduction

The 51st Psalm is renowned for its deep expression of repentance and the plea for divine mercy. Written by David after his transgression with Bathsheba, this psalm captures the essence of contrition, a desire for restoration, and an understanding of the sacrificial system. Verse 19, in particular, speaks to the nature of true sacrifices that please God, indicating a radical shift from mere ritual to genuine heart attitude.

Analysis of Verse 19

Psalms 51:19 can be seen as a resolution of the preceding verses, where David, having acknowledged his sinfulness and begging for mercy, turns to the subject of acceptable sacrifices.

Key Themes

• True Sacrifice: The verse underscores the concept of sacrifices that align with God's desires rather than those that are merely external observances.
• Righteousness: The phrase "sacrifices of righteousness" highlights that God is more interested in the moral quality of the offering rather than the offering itself.
• God's Pleasure: The desire for God to be pleased signifies a relationship grounded in sincere faith and repentance.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes that the sacrifices mentioned are representative of the inward devotion of the heart. He argues that while the ceremonial actions are important, God seeks a heart that is contrite and humble. The "sacrifices of righteousness" imply a life led in obedience to God’s commandments, pointing to a transformed character that lives out its faith through actions.

Adam Clarke: Clarke expands upon the significance of “burnt offerings” which were completely consumed in the flames, offering a fuller metaphor for surrender to God. He notes that true repentance leads one to offer up all of oneself to God, not just outward rituals. Clarke also ties in the importance of accountability and ethical living—indicating that offerings made to God must stem from a life of integrity and justice.

Albert Barnes: Barnes places emphasis on the conditionality of God’s acceptance of sacrifices. He interprets “Then shall thou be pleased” as indicating that only when the heart is right can outward expressions of worship be deemed acceptable. His commentary further categories the sacrifices into a broad spectrum, explaining that these include not just animal sacrifices but also acts of kindness and justice that reflect God’s character.

Implications for the Believer

This verse has profound implications for both individual believers and the corporate body of Christ. It calls for an introspective look at the motivations behind acts of worship:

• Heart over Ritual: Believers are encouraged to focus on the inner motives behind their worship; offerings should stem from a heart that is right with God.
• Transformational Repentance: The call to righteousness involves an ongoing process of repentance and transformation. It reflects a dynamic relationship with God rather than a static adherence to rituals.
• Community and Justice: Understanding that God’s acceptance of worship is linked to moral living propels communities of faith toward acts of justice and compassion.

Conclusion

Psalms 51:19 encapsulates a key theological principle that continues to resonate through the ages: God desires a heart of worship that is genuine and aligned with His righteousness. As pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars delve into the depths of this verse, they are called to explore not just the externals of worship but the internal realities that bring true pleasure to God.