Book of Psalms - Chapter 20 - Verse 3
Meaning
The verse "Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah." from the Book of Psalms is a call to God to remember and accept the sacrifices and offerings made by the worshippers. In the Old Testament, burnt offerings were a common form of sacrifice made to atone for sins or show devotion to God. The act of burning an offering symbolized the complete surrender and dedication of the worshipper to God. The use of the word "Selah" at the end of the verse signifies a pause for reflection, allowing the reader to meditate on the meaning of the words. This verse serves as a reminder to acknowledge and honor the sacrifices made in the name of faith, and to trust that God will accept these offerings with grace and mercy.
Theological Overview
When looking at the theological interpretation of this verse, it is important to understand the historical and cultural context in which it was written. The act of offering sacrifices was a common practice in ancient Israel, where people would bring animals or other offerings to the altar as a way of seeking forgiveness or showing gratitude to God. In this verse, the psalmist is asking God to remember all the offerings that have been made, and to accept the burnt sacrifice that is being presented. By using the word "Selah" at the end of the verse, the psalmist is inviting the reader to pause and reflect on the significance of these offerings and sacrifices.
Word studies on the terms used in this verse can provide further insight into its meaning. The word "remember" implies that the psalmist is asking God to pay attention to the sacrifices that have been made and to acknowledge them. The word "offerings" refers to the various gifts and sacrifices that were brought to the altar, while "burnt sacrifice" specifically points to a sacrifice that is completely consumed by fire as an offering to God. Each of these terms carries specific theological significance and adds depth to the overall message of the verse.