Psalms 66:15
I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.
Original Language Analysis
עֹ֘ל֤וֹת
unto thee burnt sacrifices
H5930
עֹ֘ל֤וֹת
unto thee burnt sacrifices
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
1 of 12
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
אַעֲלֶה
I will offer
H5927
אַעֲלֶה
I will offer
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
3 of 12
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
5 of 12
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֵילִ֑ים
of rams
H352
אֵילִ֑ים
of rams
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
אֶ֥עֱשֶֽׂה
I will offer
H6213
אֶ֥עֱשֶֽׂה
I will offer
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בָקָ֖ר
bullocks
H1241
בָקָ֖ר
bullocks
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
9 of 12
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
10 of 12
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Historical Context
Under Mosaic law, different animals served different sacrificial purposes, but all required unblemished specimens. The wealthy offered bulls, while the poor offered doves, but all gave proportionally their best to God.
Questions for Reflection
- What would constitute a 'costly' offering in your life today—time, treasure, comfort, reputation?
- How does the aroma of burning incense symbolize prayers and worship ascending to God (Revelation 5:8)?
- In what ways does Christ's perfect sacrifice free you to worship freely while also inspiring generous giving?
Analysis & Commentary
Burnt offerings of 'fatlings' represent costly worship—not leftover sacrifice but the best animals (Leviticus 22:19-20). The mention of 'incense' may refer to the aromatic smoke from fat burning on the altar, ascending to God as a pleasing aroma. The variety of animals (bullocks, goats, rams) shows thoroughness in worship, holding nothing back. This anticipates Christ's perfect sacrifice, the ultimate costly offering that fully satisfied divine justice.