It was somewhat like being given a free lunch. Everything had been provided for the king. All he had to do was join in with the others — but David said, “No”.

The times were difficult. King David had sinned, and the Lord had allowed a great plague to spread across the land. To bring about restoration, the Lord permitted David to offer a special sacrifice: a burnt offering for divine healing. Since the plague had fallen upon all the people, one resident of the land generously offered the king all he needed for that special sacrifice. His threshing floor was freely given to build an altar, oxen were provided for the sacrifice, and wood for the fire. Everything was graciously supplied, but the king did not accept.

King David knew that God’s purpose was not just another burnt offering. There were hundreds of them throughout the land. What was needed, in the midst of that ceremony, was a humble and fully repentant heart. Such was not to be found in the convenient offering being provided. The Lord wanted much more. David could not offer his Lord a sacrifice that cost him nothing.

We sometimes think God is more interested in our outward actions than our inner thoughts and motives. Presenting a sacrificial offering to the Lord was good and needed to be done, but a humble and fully devoted heart was far more important than any burnt offering. In our day, many seek to be faithful in various activities, like church attendance. All are good and should be continued, but humble and dedicated lives are what the Lord is really seeking. The Lord was far less interested in that sacrificial offering, than the committed heart of the king. Because of David’s genuine repentance, the plague was lifted and the land was healed.

The hymn writer has captured that needed dedication with these words: Give of your best to the master, give him first place in your heart, give him first place in your service, give him the best that you have. 

Robert W. Price

Extended Scripture: 2 Samuel 21–24(NIV)