Psalms 50:13
Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?
Original Language Analysis
בְּשַׂ֣ר
the flesh
H1320
בְּשַׂ֣ר
the flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
2 of 6
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
וְדַ֖ם
the blood
H1818
וְדַ֖ם
the blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
4 of 6
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
Historical Context
Pagan rituals often conceived of gods consuming offerings. This verse marks categorical distinction: Yahweh is spirit, eternal, self-sufficient--not a larger version of creatures with physical needs.
Questions for Reflection
- What misconceptions about God does this rhetorical question expose?
- If God doesn't need our offerings materially, what purpose do they serve?
Analysis & Commentary
The absurdity continues: 'Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?' God has no physical needs that sacrifices could meet. The questions are rhetorical, exposing the foolishness of thinking ritual could supply the infinite, self-sufficient God. True worship must involve something other than material transfer.