What is the meaning of Psalm 51:17? The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit - In David’s day, worship revolved around animal offerings, yet he confesses that what truly reaches God is “a broken spirit.” - Scripture repeatedly echoes this priority: • 1 Samuel 15:22—“To obey is better than sacrifice.” • Psalm 50:14–15 highlights thanksgiving and trust above ritual. • Hosea 6:6 and Micah 6:6-8 stress steadfast love and humble walk over burnt offerings. - A “broken spirit” is not crushed beyond repair; it is the posture of someone who stops hiding, admits guilt, and bows before God’s mercy. - When that inner surrender happens, it becomes the offering God Himself esteems, because it aligns with the Lamb-of-God sacrifice ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 10:5-10). A broken and contrite heart - David doubles the thought for emphasis: true repentance is both “broken” (shattered pride) and “contrite” (deeply sorry). - Isaiah 57:15 declares that the High and Lofty One revives “the spirit of the lowly.” - Isaiah 66:2 says God looks on “the one who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word.” - The tax collector in Luke 18:13-14 beat his chest and prayed, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner,” and Jesus affirmed that he went home justified. - Genuine contrition bears fruit: 2 Corinthians 7:10 notes that godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation without regret. O God, You will not despise - The verse closes with assurance: God never turns away a repentant heart. • Psalm 34:18—“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” • 2 Chronicles 7:14 promises healing when God’s people humble themselves and seek His face. • John 6:37 guarantees, “Whoever comes to Me I will never cast out.” - Because the Lord has already provided atonement in the Son, He delights to welcome anyone who approaches Him in humble faith (James 4:10; Isaiah 55:7). - The enemy whispers that we are too far gone, but this line shuts that lie down: God does not despise repentant sinners; He embraces them. summary Psalm 51:17 shifts the focus from outward ritual to inward reality. God values a spirit that abandons pride, a heart that grieves sin, and a will that turns back to Him. Such sacrifice, rooted in honest repentance and faith, is never disregarded but always received, cleansed, and restored by the God who delights in mercy. |
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