The Service Which David Would not Render
Thomas Horton, D. D. Psalm 51:16 For you desire not sacrifice; else would I give it: you delight not in burnt offering. 1. He declines a superfluous and unnecessary service; he will not give that; this is one thing which he resolves on, and it is a good resolution in him. In the worship of God, whatever is more than needful, it may very well be spared; we cannot supererogate with Him; those that think to do so exceedingly deceive themselves, yea, and wrong themselves also, while they draw out the strength of their spirits upon that which might be better bestowed. 2. He declines an arbitrary service. He will not serve God in any other way than as Himself shall allow of and prescribe. Because God does not desire sacrifice, therefore he will not give sacrifice to Him; this is the rule which he holds to in God's worship, to do no more than Himself has commanded. And this is that which the Scripture does continually press upon us, the declining of all will-worship in the service of God as that which is abominable with Him. 3. He declines an unacceptable service; he will not do more in God's service than shall be well received. This is the main thing which God's people look after in their services which they present unto Him; to wit, His acceptance of them in those services; all without this, it is nothing worth. This is that which David says here; because he thinks that God delights not in burnt-offerings, therefore He shall not have them. God's complacency is all in all. (Thomas Horton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. WEB: For you don't delight in sacrifice, or else I would give it. You have no pleasure in burnt offering.