Psalms 51:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 51:19
19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
Chapter Context
Psalms 51 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, obedience, redemption. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-19: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 51:19
19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
Analysis
The proper sacrifices: 'Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness...then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.' After heart-repentance comes appropriate ritual. Sacrifices offered from broken, contrite hearts (v.17) are 'sacrifices of righteousness.' External worship flows from internal transformation.
Historical Context
The psalm doesn't reject sacrifice entirely but puts it in proper order: broken heart first, then joyful offering. Post-exilic readers would understand the restored temple sacrifices as following from national repentance.
Reflection
- What makes a sacrifice 'of righteousness'?
- How does the sequence of heart before ritual apply to Christian worship?
Word Studies
- Sacrifice: זֶבַח (Zevach) H2077 - Sacrifice, offering
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Psalms 4:5, Malachi 3:3
- Sacrifice: Psalms 118:27, Romans 12:1, Ephesians 5:2