Psalm 20:3 (ESV)

3 May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah

This verse contains the petition for the Lord to accept the offerings of the king. Two different sentences essentially convey the same message. This is a Hebrew form of poetry (parallelism) which often occurs in the psalms.

Note the sacrifices were not offered to please a deity, as was the practice of the heathens. Bribing of a deity is a far cry from the relationship that exists between the Lord and Israel. The offerings are expressions of a good relationship between the Lord and his people and king. Offerings show a believer’s thankfulness toward God. It may be good to reflect on this: Why do you give and make sacrifices? Let go of any thoughts that God would look kindly upon you if you do this, because that is heathen thinking.