Psalms 116:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 116:17
17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
Chapter Context
Psalms 116 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, worship, love. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-19: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 116:17
17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
Analysis
I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving (זֶבַח תּוֹדָה, zevach todah)—The psalmist responds to God's deliverance with a todah offering, one of the five Levitical sacrifices (Lev 7:12-15). Unlike sin offerings, this was a voluntary sacrifice of gratitude, often accompanied by public testimony of God's faithfulness. The verb אָשִׁיב (ashiv, "I will pay/render") connects to verse 14, showing covenant faithfulness: vows made in distress must be fulfilled in deliverance.
And will call upon the name of the LORD (וּבְשֵׁם יְהוָה אֶקְרָא)—Public invocation of Yahweh's covenant name completes the todah ritual. This isn't private prayer but public proclamation "in the courts of the LORD's house" (v. 19). Hebrews 13:15 echoes this: "the sacrifice of praise... the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name"—the New Covenant todah that supersedes animal offerings.
Historical Context
This psalm reflects post-exilic temple worship (note the emphasis on Jerusalem in v. 19). The todah sacrifice was central to Israel's worship, combining ritual offering with verbal testimony. Participants shared the sacrificial meal, creating communal celebration of God's deliverance. Jesus instituted the Eucharist as a todah meal, transforming thanksgiving sacrifice into remembrance of ultimate deliverance.
Reflection
- How does viewing worship as "sacrifice" challenge modern consumeristic approaches to church attendance?
- What public testimony of God's faithfulness might the Lord be calling you to share as your "sacrifice of thanksgiving"?
Word Studies
- Sacrifice: זֶבַח (Zevach) H2077 - Sacrifice, offering
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 116:13
- Sacrifice: Psalms 107:22, Leviticus 7:12, Hebrews 13:15
- Parallel theme: Psalms 50:14