Psalm 66:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I will come into your house with burnt offerings; I will perform my vows to you,

NIV: I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you—

NASB: I shall come into Your house with burnt offerings; I shall pay You my vows,

CSB: I will enter your house with burnt offerings; I will pay you my vows

NLT: Now I come to your Temple with burnt offerings to fulfill the vows I made to you —

KJV: I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,

NKJV: I will go into Your house with burnt offerings; I will pay You my vows,

The psalmist begins his personal conclusion to Psalm 66 with a promise to the Lord. He promises to enter the place of worship with sacrifices to honor God. He intends to also fulfill his other promises. Some burnt offerings were required by the Law (Leviticus 6:9–13), while others were voluntary and represented the worshiper's dedication to the Lord (Leviticus 1:13). Romans 12:1 exhorts believers to offer their bodies to God as a living sacrifice, "holy and acceptable." Having made this commitment to God, believers should obey His will.

Vows were to be taken seriously. They were a person's promises to God regarding his intention to obey God in specified matters. Numbers 30:2 holds a person accountable to fulfill his vows by saying, "If a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth." The anonymous writer of this psalm had promised something to God during a time of personal trouble (Psalm 66:14); here, he declares his intent to make good on it (Numbers 30:2).

Psalm 66:13–20 addresses God, then the congregation. This comes after calling upon the nations to worship God because of His marvelous deeds on behalf of Israel. The psalmist wants to tell the assembled people that God heard his prayer and answered it. He concludes this section by praising God for answering prayer and extending His loyal love.

This psalm appeals to the entire world to worship the Lord. His great works, such as giving Israel safe passage through the Red Sea, should be praised. Because God watches the world, no one should presume they can rebel without consequences. God tested Israel heavily but brought the nation to an abundant place. The psalmist declares that he will fulfill his vows and offer sacrifices, because God answered his prayer. Verses 1–9 speak to the nations of earth; verses 10–15 are spoken to God; verses 16–20 are addressed to the congregation.

This is a psalm of thanksgiving, but the occasion that prompted it is unknown. It may have been written after the Lord defeated the Assyrians (Isaiah 36—37). Another possibility is that it was recorded following the return from Babylonian captivity (Ezra 1:2–3).

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.

Accessed 12/18/2024 12:34:43 PM