Psalms 66:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 66:15
15 I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.
Chapter Context
Psalms 66 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, worship, discipleship. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 66:15
15 I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?