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Psalms
Psalm 51:17a "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit..."
Day 128 – Psalm 51
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit…” Psalm 51:17a
THE INTERNAL DIMENSION OF RELIGION
What would God be looking for in religion? What would God be seeking from His worshippers?
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart-
These, O God, You will not despise.”
Psalm 51:18
1. Sacrifices of God
a) The word “sacrifice” is still correctly employed.
b) It is a reference to something offered to God as part of worship.
c) It is right and proper to bring something to God in worship.
d) One should not come empty-handed to God (Exodus 34:20).
2. Acceptable sacrifices
a) “A broken spirit”
This must be carefully understood.
i) The spirit is a reference to the inner being of a person.
ii) The inner being is quite capable of being wicked and proud.
iii) A broken spirit describes one whose pride has been dealt with.
iv) This spirit is now totally humble before God.
b) “A broken and contrite heart”
i) This phrase supports the above line.
ii) Both heart and spirit must be in concert.
c) “These, O God, You will not despise”
David wrote these words from deep and meaningful experiences with God.