Psalm 66:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I will offer to you burnt offerings of fattened animals, with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams; I will make an offering of bulls and goats. Selah

NIV: I will sacrifice fat animals to you and an offering of rams; I will offer bulls and goats.

NASB: I shall offer to You burnt offerings of fat animals, With the smoke of rams; I shall make an offering of bulls with male goats. Selah

CSB: I will offer you fattened sheep as burnt offerings, with the fragrant smoke of rams; I will sacrifice bulls with goats. Selah

NLT: That is why I am sacrificing burnt offerings to you — the best of my rams as a pleasing aroma, and a sacrifice of bulls and male goats. Interlude

KJV: I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.

NKJV: I will offer You burnt sacrifices of fat animals, With the sweet aroma of rams; I will offer bulls with goats. Selah

The psalmist promised to offer the Lord burnt offerings (Psalm 66:13) which he seems to have promised when praying during a time of great trouble (Psalm 66:14). Here, he describes those sacrifices in greater detail. The list of so many animals suggests trouble was serious, and that he is deeply grateful for answered prayer.

Saved believers should feel gratitude to the Lord for salvation. The natural reaction to this is to offer oneself to God as a "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1). This means submitting every part of one's life to His will. It means a believer should offer the Lord his time, talent, and treasure. He should give to the Lord willingly, generously, and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:5–7).

First Peter 2:5 reveals that Christians "are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." Christians should hold nothing back from God; He gave an infinite sacrifice for us (Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 9:15). The size of our giving doesn't matter as much as the level of faith our gift implies. Jesus commended a poor woman who put two small copper coins into the temple's offering box. He noted: "She out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on" (Mark 12:44).

The word selah is not clearly defined. It may refer to a pause, or a musical break; sometimes it is interpreted as a call for reflection.

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.

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.