Psalms 20:3
Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
Original Language Analysis
יִזְכֹּ֥ר
Remember
H2142
יִזְכֹּ֥ר
Remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִנְחֹתֶ֑ךָ
all thy offerings
H4503
מִנְחֹתֶ֑ךָ
all thy offerings
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
3 of 6
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
וְעוֹלָתְךָ֖
thy burnt sacrifice
H5930
וְעוֹלָתְךָ֖
thy burnt sacrifice
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
4 of 6
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
Cross References
Psalms 51:19Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.Acts 10:4And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.Genesis 4:4And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:2 Chronicles 7:1Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house.
Historical Context
Before battle, Israel's king would offer sacrifices seeking divine favor. God remembering sacrifices meant granting victory based on covenant relationship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's sacrifice give you confidence in prayer?
- In what ways do you 'remember' Christ's offering in worship and petition?
Analysis & Commentary
The prayer that God 'remember' offerings and 'regard' burnt offerings uses sacrificial language. The Hebrew 'zakar' (remember) means to act on behalf of, not merely recall. 'Dashen' (regard/accept as fat) indicates approval of sacrifice. This anticipates Christ's once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10) that secured God's favor. Reformed theology sees Old Testament sacrifices as types pointing to Christ's atoning work.