Psalms 20:3

Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.

Psalms 20:3 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 20 is a communal prayer for God’s help and protection in times of trouble, offered on behalf of the king. The people pray together, asking God to answer the king in his day of need. This verse is part of that prayer, where the congregation asks God to remember all the king’s offerings and accept his burnt sacrifice.

Meaning

The word “remember” here means more than simply recalling. It is a plea for God to regard the offerings with favor and to act on behalf of the worshiper. The offerings include the burnt sacrifice, in which the whole animal was consumed by fire on the altar. This act symbolized complete surrender and devotion to God. The word “Selah” likely signals a pause for reflection, inviting the reader to meditate on the words just spoken.

Biblical connections

The offerings of the law were types or shadows pointing to Christ. The burnt offerings and other sacrifices could not ultimately accomplish what Christ’s offering of Himself did. Christ, as the great High Priest, offers up spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise for His people, and these are acceptable to God through Him. The offering up of Christ Himself is the body, the sum and substance, of all the offerings of the law.

Application

• Acknowledging God’s sovereignty: By asking God to remember the offerings and accept the burnt sacrifice, David acknowledges that it is God alone who has the power to accept worship and provide blessings. This reflects a humble recognition of God’s sovereignty and the people’s dependence on Him.

• The importance of heartfelt worship: The burnt sacrifice represented a wholehearted offering to God. Similarly, our worship and devotion to God should be sincere, genuine, and rooted in a deep love for Him. It is not merely about external rituals but about the state of our hearts.

• Remembering past acts of worship: David’s request for God to remember their offerings suggests the value of remembering and reflecting on the faithfulness of God in the past. Remembering God’s past acts of provision and deliverance can bring comfort and confidence in times of trouble.

• Taking time for reflection: The mention of “Selah” prompts us to pause and meditate on the words spoken. It encourages us to reflect on the significance of the verse and apply its teachings to our lives. It reminds us of the importance of taking intentional moments to seek God’s presence and listen to His voice.

Reflection

For the Christian, this verse encourages a posture of worship that recognizes both the importance of presenting offerings to God and the reality that our acceptance before God is grounded in Christ’s perfect sacrifice. It also highlights the value of intercessory prayer for leaders, as the congregation prayed for their king. The verse invites believers to trust that God remembers the sincere devotion of His people and accepts them through the mediation of Christ.