Psalms 51:19

Then shalt thou be pleased with R.V., Then shalt thou delight in, as in Psalms 51:16.

the sacrifices of righteousness Those offered in a right spirit. Cp. Psalms 4:5; Deuteronomy 33:19.

with burnt offering and wholeburnt offering] R.V., in burnt offering &c. The term - ôlâh, -burnt-offering," denotes the sacrifice as -ascending" in smoke and flame: kâlîl, -whole burnt offering," denotes the sacrifice as entirely consumed. It was the rule that the burnt offering should be wholly consumed, to symbolise the entire self-dedication of the worshipper; and the second designation is added in order to emphasise this idea of the sacrifice. Cp. Deuteronomy 33:10; 1 Samuel 7:9.

This anticipation of the restoration of material sacrifices in Jerusalem seems a poor ending to a Psalm of such profound spirituality. But a material Temple and visible sacrifices still had their work to do in forming a centre for the Jewish Church and serving as a visible sign of God's covenant with His people. Not until Christ had come and offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, could they be finally dispensed with, and the full truth of such words as those of this Psalm be understood.