Psalm 50 is a prophetic oracle given through "Asaph the seer" (2 Chr 29:30). In it the God who appeared at Sinai comes forth from Zion, calling heaven and earth as witnesses as he puts his people on trial (vv 1-6).
The Israelites cannot be accused of neglecting to offer sacrifices to God (verse 8). But when they offer them in the attitude that they are just fulfilling an obligation, or are proud of themselves for offering one of "their animals," or hope to manipulate God through the sacrifices, then they are no better than the pagans. Pagans believed that the gods needed to be fed, and that they could control the gods by feeding them. But God, the owner of all the animals, does not need to be fed and has no interest in pagan sacrifices (vv 9-13).
Instead, God wants his people to come before him with sacrifices given in thanksgiving, sincerity, and humility (vv 14-15).
God also warns that it is useless to be pay lip service to his covenant while living in disobedience and approving of others who are disobedient (vv 16-20). God is patient, so one may not be punished immediately for such behavior (v 21), but judgment will come eventually (v 22). The final word: "The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!"
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