Psalms 51:16

For thou desirest not sacrifice ... -On the words rendered in this verse “sacrifice” and “burnt-offering,” see the notes atIsaiah 1:11. On the main sentiment here expressed - that God did not “desire” such sacrifices - see the notes atPsalms 40:6-8. The idea here is, that any mere external offering, however precious or costly it might be, was not what God required in such cases. He demanded the expression of deep and sincere repentance; the sacrifices of a contrite heart and of a broken spirit:Psalms 51:17. No offering without this could be acceptable; nothing without this could secure pardon.