Psalms 51:16 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. For thou desirest not sacrifice - This is the same sentiment which he delivers in Psalms 40:6 (note), etc., where see the notes. There may be here, however, a farther meaning: Crimes, like mine, are not to be expiated by any sacrifices that the law requires; nor hast thou appointed in the law any sacrifices to atone for deliberate murder and adultery: if thou hadst, I would cheerfully have given them to thee. The matter is before thee as Judge.