Psalms 50:18

Sacrifice. If my crime were of such a nature as the be expiated by certain victims, I would surely have offered them: but my heart has offended, and must do penance. (Calmet) --- The legal victims were not of themselves sufficient to remit sin. (Menochius) --- Contrition was necessary, Isaias lxvi. 2., and Ezechiel vi. 9. (Berthier) --- The Scripture often prefers internal, before outward sacrifices. This of the heart must precede those of justice, and of praise. (Worthington) --- The heart must be broken, to make place for love. Compunction is thrice urged. The two first terms in Hebrew are the same, "contrite," (Haydock) broken, or disconcerted. Greek: Kateklasthe philon etor. (Homer, Odyssey) (Menochius) --- The captives might adopt this prayer, Daniel iii. 39. (Calmet) --- External sacrifices are commended in the next verse, as they are good, (Haydock) being instituted by God. (Menochius)