Psalm 50:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?

NIV: Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?

NASB: Shall I eat the flesh of bulls Or drink the blood of male goats?

CSB: Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?

NLT: Do I eat the meat of bulls? Do I drink the blood of goats?

KJV: Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?

NKJV: Will I eat the flesh of bulls, Or drink the blood of goats?

This continues God's accusation against Israel (Psalm 50:7). This involves their performance of sacrifices (Psalm 50:8), which God rejects (Psalm 50:9). Later, the Lord will explain that Israel's sinful disobedience proves their sacrifices are hollow, empty, and robotic. They mistake following rituals with honoring their God (Psalm 50:16–21). God has noted that He doesn't need to be given anything; He already owns everything (Psalm 50:10–11).

In a moment of dry humor, God also points out that He wouldn't need to tell His creations if He were hungry (Psalm 50:12)—which He cannot be, as a perfect spirit (John 4:24). Now He reminds them that He doesn't consume those sacrifices as food. That is not the purpose for which He instituted those sacraments (Exodus 29:38–42; Leviticus 16:11–14). They were meant to remind Israel of their need for God's forgiveness. Sacrifice, accompanied by faith, was a form of obedience demonstrating a repentant, God-honoring heart.

As later verses will explain, Israel's sacrifices are not sincere. They sin and disobey God, then rely on rituals to make themselves right with the Lord (Psalm 50:16–21).

Psalm 50:7–15 explains the judgment which God came to deliver in the prior passage. All of creation was called to witness this verdict, given to the supposedly faithful people of the Lord (Psalm 50:1–6). In this passage, God notes that Israel hypocritically participates in sacrifices and rituals—yet they ignore God in their lives. Sin and disobedience mark their habits (Psalm 50:17). Still, they assume God is pleased with them. The Lord explains that without sincerity, those rituals are meaningless.

Asaph depicts God as an unimaginably glorious judge, calling the entire world to hear a divine verdict. Israel has offered sacrifices, but God ignores them. The nation rejects His laws. It is pervaded with blatant sin, even while they claim to be God's chosen people. The Lord's patience does not mean He does not notice. Those who continue ignoring Him will be "torn apart" without any possibility of rescue. Those who respond to God with sincerity will be rescued.

This psalm, written by Asaph, addresses the Lord's intended connection between religious rituals and daily behavior. When the people offer sacrifices, but blatantly reject God's laws, they invite judgment. This passage notes national sins mentioned directly in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:14–16). In other writings, Asaph expresses frustration over Israel's continued rebellion and God's delayed response (Psalm 73:2–3; 74:10).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.