Psalms 20:3

Authorized King James Version

Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יִזְכֹּ֥ר

H2142

Remember

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִנְחֹתֶ֑ךָ

H4503

all thy offerings

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

וְעוֹלָתְךָ֖

H5930

thy burnt sacrifice

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

יְדַשְּׁנֶ֣ה

H1878

and accept

to be fat; transitively, to fatten (or regard as fat); specifically to anoint; figuratively, to satisfy; to remove (fat) ashes (of sacrifices)

סֶֽלָה׃

H5542

Selah

suspension (of music), i.e., pause

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?