“I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me.”
The statement that God is not rebuking the people for sacrifices and the assertion that burnt offerings are continually before God establishes that the problem is not the absence of worship. The reference to sacrifices and burnt offerings suggests that the people have maintained the ritual requirements of the covenant; the outward forms have been observed. Yet the statement that God does not rebuke for sacrifices suggests that mere maintenance of ritual does not satisfy God's requirements. The reference to burnt offerings being continually before God suggests that the offerings are acceptable in themselves but somehow insufficient. This verse sets up the paradox that though sacrifices are offered regularly, they do not constitute an adequate response to God's demands.
Church Fathers on Psalms 50:8
1. How much avails the Word of God to us for the correction of our life, both regarding His rewards to be expected, and His punishments to be feared, let each one measure in himself; and let him put his conscience without deceit before His eyes, and not flatter himself in a danger so great: for you see that even our Lord God Himself does flatter no one: though He comforts us by promising His blessings, and by strengthening our hope; yet them that live ill and despise His word…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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