Psalms 66:15

I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.

I will offer {H5927}{H8686)} unto thee burnt sacrifices {H5930} of fatlings {H4220}, with the incense {H7004} of rams {H352}; I will offer {H6213}{H8799)} bullocks {H1241} with goats {H6260}. Selah {H5542}.

I will offer you burnt offerings of fattened animals, along with the sweet smoke of rams; I will offer bulls and goats. (Selah)

I will offer You fatlings as burnt offerings, with the fragrant smoke of rams; I will offer bulls and goats. Selah

I will offer unto thee burnt-offerings of fatlings, With the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. [Selah

Commentary

Psalms 66:15 is a powerful declaration of worship and fulfilled promise, found within a psalm of profound thanksgiving. Here, the psalmist expresses deep gratitude to God for deliverance from distress and answered prayer, detailing the specific, costly offerings he intends to bring as a fulfillment of vows made during his time of trouble.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, sacrifices were a cornerstone of worship and covenant relationship with God. This verse refers to "burnt sacrifices" (Hebrew: 'olah), which were unique in that the entire animal was consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication, atonement, and ascending devotion to God. The mention of "fatlings," "rams," "bullocks," and "goats" signifies the best and most valuable animals available. This was not a casual offering but a significant financial and personal investment, reflecting the worshiper's sincerity and the magnitude of their gratitude. Such vows were commonly made in times of dire need, with the promise of specific offerings if God granted deliverance. The psalmist is clearly fulfilling these promises, as referenced earlier in this psalm (e.g., Psalms 66:13, where he states, "I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows").

Key Themes and Messages

  • Fulfillment of Vows and Thanksgiving: The central theme is the psalmist's unwavering commitment to honor his promises made to God. It highlights the importance of integrity and faithfulness in one's spiritual walk, particularly in expressing gratitude for divine intervention and answered prayers.
  • Wholehearted Dedication: By offering the "fatlings" and a variety of prime animals, the psalmist demonstrates a commitment to giving God the very best, not merely what is convenient or leftover. This symbolizes a complete and costly dedication of resources and devotion to the Lord.
  • Pleasing Aroma to God: The phrase "with the incense of rams" is poetic language referring to the smoke rising from the burning sacrifices. This smoke was considered a "sweet savour" or pleasing aroma to the Lord, signifying His acceptance of the offering and the worshiper's devotion. This concept of an acceptable offering is seen throughout Scripture, from Noah's post-flood sacrifice in Genesis 8:21 to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ described as a fragrant offering to God in the New Testament.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "burnt sacrifices" is 'olah (ืขื•ึนืœึธื”), meaning "that which ascends" or "goes up," referring to the entire animal being consumed by fire and symbolically ascending to God. "Fatlings" (ืžึฐืจึดื™ืึดื™ื, merรฎ'รฎm) denotes the choicest, well-fed animals, emphasizing the quality and value of the offering. The "incense of rams" is a metaphorical expression for the fragrant smoke of the burning sacrifice, indicating its acceptance and pleasing nature to God, rather than literal incense added to the rams.

Practical Application

While the New Covenant has replaced animal sacrifices with Christ's perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9-10), the principles embedded in Psalms 66:15 remain profoundly relevant for believers today:

  • Honor Your Commitments to God: Just as the psalmist fulfilled his vows, we are called to be faithful in our promises and commitments to God, whether in prayer, service, or personal dedication (see Ecclesiastes 5:4, "When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it").
  • Offer Spiritual Sacrifices: Our "sacrifices" now are not animals, but rather our lives, praise, service, and resources. Romans 12:1 exhorts us to "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." This includes offering our time, talents, and treasure as acts of worship and gratitude.
  • Cultivate Heartfelt Thanksgiving: The core of this verse is a demonstration of thanksgiving. We are encouraged to express our gratitude to God for His deliverance, blessings, and faithfulness, not just in words but through tangible acts of devotion and obedience.

Selah

The term "Selah" at the end of the verse is a musical or liturgical notation, likely indicating a pause for reflection, contemplation, or a musical interlude. It invites the reader to ponder the profound significance of the preceding declaration of worship and commitment to God.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 51:19

    Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

  • Jeremiah 41:5

    That there came certain from Shechem, from Shiloh, and from Samaria, [even] fourscore men, having their beards shaven, and their clothes rent, and having cut themselves, with offerings and incense in their hand, to bring [them] to the house of the LORD.

  • 2 Samuel 6:17

    And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

  • 2 Samuel 6:19

    And he dealt among all the people, [even] among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece [of flesh], and a flagon [of wine]. So all the people departed every one to his house.

  • Numbers 6:14

    And he shall offer his offering unto the LORD, one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings,

  • 1 Chronicles 16:1

    ยถ So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.

  • 1 Chronicles 16:3

    And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon [of wine].