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Day 127

Psalm 51:16 "You do not delight in burnt offering..."

Day 127 – Psalm 51

“You do not delight in burnt offering…” Psalm 51:16

TWO DIMENSIONS OF RELIGION

Religion always has two parts. There is an external expression. There is also an internal dimension. David wrote about the external dimension in this text.

“For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;
You do not delight in burnt offering.”
Psalm 51:16

1. Sacrifice and Burnt offering

a) God made provision for the external dimension of religion.
b) The external expression of worship can be very moving and meaningful.
c) However the observance of the external dimension by itself does not please God.

2. A central thought even in Old Testament theology

a) This was taught by the prophets (Isaiah 1:12-16).
b) This was also taught by the Levite (Psalm 50:7-15).
c) David was well aware of this spiritual truth (Psalm 40:6-7 A Davidic psalm)

3. Or else I would give it

a) The rich would have no difficulty in making any number of sacrifices and burnt offerings.
b) David, being king of Israel, possessed great power and wealth. His wealth would have been able to afford all the sacrifices God could demand from him for atonement of sins.

4. No desire… No delight

a) This was very clear in David’s mind.
b) God had no desire for the external expressions in themselves.
c) He took no delight in the slaying of animals for burnt offerings.