Psalm 66 (65):15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What is the essence of marrow? Allow my affection for you to reside deep within, rather than merely on the surface; my love for you is embedded in my very marrow. Nothing is more intimate than this core: bones lie deeper than flesh, and within those bones dwells the marrow. Thus, one who loves God outwardly may be swayed more by the desire to please others, and may not offer the true sacrifice of one’s innermost being; yet, when He gazes into one's marrow, He accepts the person in their entirety. With incense and rams. The rams symbolize the leaders of the Church; this represents what the entire body of Christ offers to God. The incense signifies our prayers. The faithful, particularly the shepherds, intercede for their congregations. I will present to You oxen and goats.

I will present offerings of the finest quality before You. I will willingly dedicate all that You have commanded to be given. The sacrifices are referred to as the finest because the Law also instructed that offerings should be pure and unblemished. The prophet Malachi states a curse upon those who, despite having such sacrifices, choose to offer imperfect animals (Malachi 1:7-8). This marked the beginning of misfortune for Cain. From this, we learn the importance of honoring God with our most treasured possessions. I will bring before You the cattle and the sheep. All these offerings, including the burnt offerings, cattle, and sheep that I vowed to give to God, must be understood in a spiritual sense.

I will offer to You, with utmost care, the sacrifices due. He referred to both the fat and healthy animals as such. The law similarly instructed that only animals without blemish should be offered as sacrifices. The prophet Malachi denounces those who possess these pure animals yet choose to offer the flawed ones. This misstep marked the start of Cain's difficulties. From this, we understand the importance of honoring God with our most treasured possessions.

I will present to You sacrificial offerings of the choicest fats. The freed people declare their intention to bring burnt offerings, not just any offerings, but the richest, symbolizing actions that are perfect and wholly pleasing to God. Theodoret explains that "fat" refers to well-fed and ample offerings. For the Law also requires sacrifices to be without blemish and perfect; the prophet Malachi condemns those who present offerings that fall short of this standard, stating, “cursed is the one who has a male in his flock and, when making a vow, sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished” (Malachi 1:14). Furthermore, “they have offered the stolen, the lame, and those afflicted” (Malachi 1:13). Such offerings led to grave consequences, exemplified in the case of Cain.

It is understood why God instructed in the Old Testament that offerings of gratitude should be made to Him. His purpose was for humanity to recognize their sinful nature and acknowledge that their unclean state taints the honor that should be rendered to God unless they are consecrated throughout their lives. Any longing we may possess to glorify God's name would be sullied by impure words had Christ not purified us through His once-for-all sacrifice. Indeed, our praises directed to God find favor in His sight because of Him, as the Apostle affirms (Hebrews 10:7ff.).

Ultimately, the endless hymn of praise to God arises for the sake of the upcoming resurrection of the faithful. David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, crafted this psalm to convey prophetic gratitude to God on behalf of those who have returned from Babylonian exile, symbolizing demonic oppression. This psalm especially expresses thanks for the fulfillment of the blessedness granted to all believers, following the conclusion of worldly afflictions and trials, which have been prepared for the resurrection of the faithful. This promise can manifest fully at the end of time during the general resurrection. Christ’s human nature is honored while His divinity is glorified, with both aspects being exalted. When it speaks of all the earth, it refers to all nations. Just as the Jewish people were liberated from their Babylonian captivity, all humanity has been rescued from the severe torment of the devil through the Incarnation of God and the Savior.