Psalm 69:31

31 This will ¹please the Lord more than an ox or a bull ²with horns and hoofs.

Psalm 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.

Psalm 69:31 In-Context

29 But I am afflicted and in pain; let your salvation, O God, set me on high!

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 When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive.

33 For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.

Cross References

• 1. 69:31 Ps. 50:13
• 2. 69:31 Lev. 11:3