Psalms 69:32

Authorized King James Version

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The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God.

Original Language Analysis

רָא֣וּ shall see H7200
רָא֣וּ shall see
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 1 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
עֲנָוִ֣ים The humble H6035
עֲנָוִ֣ים The humble
Strong's: H6035
Word #: 2 of 7
depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly)
יִשְׂמָ֑חוּ this and be glad H8055
יִשְׂמָ֑חוּ this and be glad
Strong's: H8055
Word #: 3 of 7
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
דֹּרְשֵׁ֥י that seek H1875
דֹּרְשֵׁ֥י that seek
Strong's: H1875
Word #: 4 of 7
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים God H430
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 5 of 7
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וִיחִ֥י shall live H2421
וִיחִ֥י shall live
Strong's: H2421
Word #: 6 of 7
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
לְבַבְכֶֽם׃ and your heart H3824
לְבַבְכֶֽם׃ and your heart
Strong's: H3824
Word #: 7 of 7
the heart (as the most interior organ)

Analysis & Commentary

This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs. David contrasts vocal praise with ceremonial sacrifice, asserting that heartfelt thanksgiving pleases God more than ritual offerings. "This" (זֹאת/zot) refers to the praise and thanksgiving just vowed (verse 31). "Shall please the LORD" (וְתִיטַב לַיהוָה/vetitav laYHWH) means "be good to Yahweh," bring Him pleasure, satisfy His desires.

"Better than" (מִשּׁוֹר/misshor) establishes comparison. Offerings of "ox or bullock" (שׁוֹר פָּר/shor par) were among the most expensive sacrifices (Leviticus 1:5, 4:3), demonstrating David isn't contrasting praise with trivial offerings but with costly ones. The specification "that hath horns and hoofs" (מַקְרִן מַפְרִיס/maqrin mafris) indicates mature, perfect animals suitable for sacrifice according to Levitical law.

This verse anticipates prophetic critique of ritual divorced from righteousness (1 Samuel 15:22, Psalm 40:6-8, 50:8-15, 51:16-17, Isaiah 1:11-17, Hosea 6:6, Micah 6:6-8). God desires obedience, justice, and heartfelt worship over mere ritual compliance.

Historical Context

Ancient Israel's sacrificial system was elaborate and costly. Oxen and bulls were particularly valuable—expensive to raise, essential for agriculture, and representing significant wealth. That heartfelt praise exceeds even these valuable offerings emphasizes the supreme importance of genuine worship over mere external compliance.

Prophetic literature consistently elevated ethical obedience and heart worship over ritual sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22, Psalm 40:6-8, 50:8-15, 51:16-17, Isaiah 1:11-17, Amos 5:21-24, Hosea 6:6, Micah 6:6-8). This wasn't anti-ritual but anti-hypocrisy. God ordained sacrifices, but they meant nothing without corresponding heart transformation and ethical living.

Jesus's ministry reinforced this priority. He twice quoted Hosea 6:6: "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice" (Matthew 9:13, 12:7). Hebrews develops theology of Christ's sacrifice surpassing Levitical system (Hebrews 9-10).

Questions for Reflection