Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

In the context of the sacrificial system of the Old Testament (in which this verse appears), I would say that the writer was referring to making or complying with all the sacrifices that had been appointed by God for individuals to offer as part of the Law given to Israel.

In a deeper spiritual sense (also applicable to Christians today), the verse would refer to possessing the proper attitude of repentance, humility, and worship in dealing with God. As David expressed elsewhere in Psalms when speaking of his sin with Bathsheba, "Open my lips, LORD, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise."

It would also mean (in my opinion) not allowing anyone or anything in one's life to take precedence over God, regardless of whatever "sacrifices" in terms of changes to personal priorities or practices that such an orientation might require the person to make.

April 19 2018 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report