Psalms 69:31

31 This will please the Lord more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs.

Psalms 69:31 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 69:31

[This] also shall please the Lord
That is, this song of praise and thanksgiving. The Targum has it,

``my prayers;''

as if it retorted to ( Psalms 69:29 ) ; but what is expressed in ( Psalms 69:30 ) seems to be the proper antecedent to this, and which is a sacrifice; see ( Psalms 50:14 ) ( Hebrews 13:15 ) ; and more acceptable to God than any of the legal sacrifices, even when they were in force; and much more, now they are abrogated; and especially as offered up by the Messiah himself, all whose offerings are well pleasing to God; particularly the offering up of himself, which was for a sweet smelling savour to him, and in virtue of which all spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise become acceptable unto God;

better than an ox [or] bullock that hath horns and hoofs;
that is, than the best of legal sacrifices; as an ox or bullock was, whose horns and hoofs were grown; one of three years old, as Jarchi and Kimchi observe: the words may be literally rendered, "than an ox, than a bullock, than horns, than hoofs"; not only better than an ox or a bullock, but than any creature that has horns and hoofs; that is, than the lawful sacrifice of any animal whatever, as Junius renders and explains it.

Psalms 69:31 In-Context

29 But I am lowly and in pain; let your salvation, O God, protect me.
30 I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.
31 This will please the Lord more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs.
32 Let the oppressed see it and be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive.
33 For the Lord hears the needy, and does not despise his own that are in bonds.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.