Psalms 66:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 66:15 is a fervent declaration of the psalmist's intention to fulfill vows made to God during a time of distress, now that deliverance has been granted. It details a lavish offering of "burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; bullocks with goats," signifying a costly and wholehearted expression of thanksgiving and complete dedication. The inclusion of "Selah" prompts a pause for profound reflection on the magnitude of such a commitment and the divine faithfulness that inspired it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 66 is a psalm of communal thanksgiving, inviting all the earth to "make a joyful noise unto God" (Psalm 66:1). The psalm transitions from a general call to worship (verses 1-12) to a personal testimony of answered prayer and fulfilled vows (verses 13-20). Specifically, verses 13-14 set the stage for verse 15, as the psalmist declares, "I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows, which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble." Verse 15 then specifies the nature and abundance of these promised offerings, demonstrating the psalmist's integrity and deep gratitude. The psalm concludes with a personal doxology, praising God for hearing his prayer and not turning away His mercy (Psalm 66:19-20).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, animal sacrifices were central to covenant worship and expressions of devotion, atonement, and thanksgiving. The "burnt sacrifice" (`'olah`) was unique in that the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and ascending devotion to God. Vows were a common practice, where individuals promised specific offerings or actions in exchange for divine intervention during times of trouble (e.g., [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - Fulfilling Vows")). The animals listed—"fatlings," "rams," "bullocks," and "goats"—represent the choicest and most valuable livestock, indicating a significant financial and personal investment. This was not a casual offering but a sincere, costly fulfillment of a solemn promise, reflecting the worshiper's profound gratitude and the magnitude of God's deliverance.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 66:15 powerfully underscores several major themes prevalent in the Psalter and broader Old Testament. Foremost is the **Fulfillment of Vows and Thanksgiving**, highlighting the integrity of the worshiper in honoring promises made to God in times of distress, and expressing profound gratitude for divine intervention. This act of offering also exemplifies **Wholehearted Dedication**, as the psalmist commits the best and most valuable of his possessions, demonstrating that true worship involves costly commitment, not mere convenience. Furthermore, the phrase "with the incense of rams" alludes to the concept of an **Acceptable Offering**—the rising smoke was perceived as a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord, signifying divine acceptance of the sacrifice and the worshiper's devotion, a theme seen from [Noah's sacrifice](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Acceptable Offering") to the instructions for the Tabernacle offerings in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Burnt Offering Instructions").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **'olah (Hebrew, _עוֹלָה'_):** Translated "burnt sacrifices," this term literally means "that which ascends" or "goes up." It refers to a whole burnt offering where the entire animal, excluding the hide, was consumed by fire on the altar. This type of sacrifice symbolized complete dedication, atonement, and the worshiper's total surrender and devotion ascending to God. It was a primary offering for general atonement and expressing profound gratitude.
* **merî'îm (Hebrew, _מְרִיאִים'_):** Translated "fatlings," this word denotes animals that are well-fed, plump, and therefore of the highest quality and value. The inclusion of "fatlings" alongside "rams," "bullocks," and "goats" emphasizes the costly and exceptional nature of the offerings. It signifies that the psalmist is giving God the very best, not just any animal, underscoring the sincerity and magnitude of his thanksgiving.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings":** This clause initiates the psalmist's declaration of fulfilling his vows. The "burnt sacrifices" (`'olah`) signify complete dedication, while "fatlings" indicate the choicest, most valuable animals, underscoring the sincerity and magnitude of the offering. It is a direct, personal commitment to God.
* **"with the incense of rams":** This is a poetic expression. It does not mean literal incense added to rams, but rather refers to the fragrant smoke rising from the burning rams on the altar. This "sweet savor" was considered pleasing to God, signifying His acceptance of the offering and the worshiper's devotion. It highlights the spiritual dimension of the physical act.
* **"I will offer bullocks with goats":** This further specifies the variety and abundance of the offerings. "Bullocks" (young bulls) and "goats" were common sacrificial animals, and their inclusion alongside "fatlings" and "rams" demonstrates the lavishness and comprehensive nature of the psalmist's commitment to fulfill his vows in full measure.
* **"Selah":** This term, appearing frequently in the Psalms, is a musical or liturgical notation. It is generally understood to indicate a pause for reflection, contemplation, or a musical interlude. Here, it invites the reader or worshiper to pause and ponder the profound significance of the preceding declaration of worship, commitment, and the divine faithfulness that prompted such a response.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 66:15 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. The phrase "with the incense of rams" is a powerful **Metaphor**, where the smoke rising from the burning rams is likened to fragrant incense, symbolizing a pleasing aroma to God. This evokes the sensory experience of worship and divine acceptance. The enumeration of various high-quality animals ("fatlings," "rams," "bullocks," "goats") serves as **Hyperbole** and **Amplification**, emphasizing the extraordinary abundance and value of the offerings, thereby underscoring the psalmist's profound gratitude and dedication. Finally, the inclusion of **Selah** acts as a **Liturgical Marker**, signaling a moment for the reader or listener to pause, meditate deeply on the preceding words, and perhaps reflect on their own vows and expressions of thanksgiving to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 66:15 beautifully illustrates the Old Testament principle of covenant faithfulness, where human vows made in distress are to be honored in thanksgiving upon deliverance. This act of offering costly sacrifices underscores the spiritual truth that genuine worship often involves tangible, sacrificial giving, not just words. It reflects a heart that acknowledges God's sovereignty and His active intervention in human affairs. While the New Covenant has superseded animal sacrifices through the singular, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the underlying principles of gratitude, integrity in vows, and wholehearted dedication remain profoundly relevant. Believers are called to offer "spiritual sacrifices" of praise, service, and their very lives as expressions of worship.

* [Ecclesiastes 5:4](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4 - Fulfill Your Vows to God")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 66:15 serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of integrity in our relationship with God and the transformative power of gratitude. The psalmist's commitment to fulfilling his vows, even at great personal cost, challenges us to reflect on our own promises made to God during times of need. Do we remember to give thanks and honor our commitments when deliverance comes? While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the spirit of this verse calls us to offer our "spiritual sacrifices"—our time, talents, resources, and very lives—as expressions of worship and thanksgiving. It encourages a generous and wholehearted response to God's faithfulness, recognizing that all we have is from Him. Our gratitude should be tangible, demonstrating a deep appreciation for His intervention and blessings in our lives, just as the psalmist's offering was a tangible expression of his profound thanks.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What vows or promises have I made to God during difficult times, and how faithfully have I sought to fulfill them?**
* **In what tangible ways can I express my gratitude and dedication to God today, beyond mere words?**
* **How does the psalmist's wholehearted offering challenge me to re-evaluate my own level of commitment and sacrifice in my walk with Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Selah" at the end of the verse?**

Answer: "Selah" is a Hebrew term found frequently in the Psalms and Habakkuk, believed to be a musical or liturgical notation. While its exact meaning is debated, it is widely understood to indicate a pause for reflection, contemplation, or a musical interlude. In the context of Psalms 66:15, "Selah" invites the reader or worshiper to pause and meditate deeply on the profound declaration of worship and the costly commitment the psalmist is making. It encourages a moment of quiet consideration of God's faithfulness and the appropriate response of thanksgiving and dedication. It serves as a spiritual exclamation mark, prompting the audience to internalize the weight and meaning of the preceding words.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 66:15, with its emphasis on costly, whole burnt offerings as a fulfillment of vows and an expression of profound gratitude, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrifices, including the `olah` or burnt offering, were shadows pointing to the perfect sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Unlike the temporary and repeated animal sacrifices, Christ's offering of Himself on the cross was a [once-for-all sacrifice](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice") that perfectly atoned for sin and perfectly fulfilled God's righteous requirements. His life was wholly dedicated to God, a "burnt offering" in the truest sense, consumed by divine judgment on our behalf. The "incense of rams" metaphorically pointing to a pleasing aroma to God is fully realized in Christ, whose self-giving love is described as a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (as in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Through His perfect sacrifice, Christ paid the ultimate vow, securing eternal deliverance for all who believe, enabling us to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, not based on our own merit, but on the acceptance we have in Him (as referenced in [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "The Sacrifice of Praise")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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

¶ 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].