Psalms 50:13

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 50:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Will I eat the flesh of bulls, Or drink the blood of goats?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Will I eat the flesh of bulls, Or drink the blood of goats?
Psalms 50:13 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 50

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13Will I eat the flesh of bulls, Or drink the blood of goats?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“They soon forgat his works, etc.] The miracles he wrought in Egypt, the deliverance of them from thence with a mighty hand and outstretched arm, and the leading them through the Red sea as on dry land, and destroying all their enemies; all these they soon forgot, for they had gone but three days’ journey into the wilderness after this, ere they began to murmur and show distrust of the power and providence of God, (<021522>Exodus 15:22,24), it is in the Hebrew text, “they made haste, they forgat his works” f1521; as soon as they were out of Egypt, they were for entering into the land of Canaan at once, and were much displeased that they were not immediately led into it. They waited not for…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? - This is said to show still further the absurdity of the views which seem to have prevailed among those who offered sacrifices. They offered them “as if” they were needed by God; “as if” they laid him under obligation; “as if” in some way they contributed to his happiness, or were essential to his welfare. The only supposition on which this could be true was, that he needed the flesh of the one for food, and the blood of the other for drink; or that he was sustained as creatures are. Yet this was a supposition, which, when it was stated in a formal manner, must be at once seen to be absurd; and hence the emphatic question in this…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification