Psalm 116:17-19
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The psalmist doesn't just promise a general "thank you"; he specifies offering a "sacrifice of thanksgiving." This implies more than just words; it's about actively bringing something of value to God in gratitude, mirroring the ancient sacrificial system but pointing towards the deeper truth that our whole lives, offered in thankful service, become that acceptable sacrifice.
I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh from a life-threatening ordeal, the psalmist is overflowing with gratitude and a desire to publicly acknowledge God's deliverance. He recounts his near-death experience and the Lord's saving intervention, leading him to commit to offering a sacrifice of praise and calling upon God's name. This vow sets the stage for his public declaration of thanksgiving and his determination to serve the Lord faithfully.
We often think of sacrifice as giving up something valuable. But what if the most meaningful sacrifice is something we gain from God?
In Psalm 116:17, the psalmist declares, "I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving." This isn't about animal offerings from the temple, though those were important. The scholars highlight that this 'sacrifice' is more about the internal offering of a grateful heart. It’s a thanksgiving that flows from us, not a sacrifice that is taken from us.
A Deeper Offering
This focus shifts sacrifice from a burden to a joyful response to God's overwhelming love and deliverance.
We call on God when we're in trouble, but what about when we're not? This verse links calling on God's name to thanksgiving. Why?
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The second part of Psalm 116:17 is, "and call on the name of the LORD." This isn't just a cry for help in times of crisis, but a continuous act of worship and reliance. The scholars point out that calling on God’s name is deeply connected to acknowledging who He is – His power, His faithfulness, His love.
The Power of His Name
This shows that invoking God’s name isn’t just a last resort; it's the lifeblood of a relationship with Him, present in both our deepest struggles and our most profound thanksgivings.
Understand the original words
zebach · Hebrew Noun
A visible, outward expression or ritual act offered to God, often representing gratitude, petition, or atonement.
todah · Hebrew Noun
An expression of gratitude and praise to God for His character and His acts of deliverance and kindness.
neder · Hebrew Noun
To make a formal or solemn promise to God, often connected to a specific request for divine help or as a sign of dedication.
chatser · Hebrew Noun
The designated areas within the tabernacle or temple complex where Israel gathered for worship and where the presence of God dwelt among His people.
Yerushalayim · Hebrew Proper Noun
The city of David, chosen by God as the location for His temple and the seat of His presence on earth; it symbolizes the center of worship and covenant life.
halal · Hebrew Verb
A command or call to offer adoration, glory, and worship to the LORD, acknowledging His majesty and mighty works.
This verse speaks powerfully about offering heartfelt praise and continued reliance on God after experiencing profound deliverance, especially relevant in the context of the return from exile and the rebuilding of the Temple, which restored public worship.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar II conquer Jerusalem, destroy the First Temple, and exile a significant portion of the Jewish population. This marks a profound crisis in Israel's religious and national life, severing their connection to their place of worship.
c. 586-538 BC
Babylonian Exile
Many Judeans live in exile in Babylon, a period of deep spiritual reflection, lament, and often, faithfulness to God despite the loss of their homeland and Temple. This era fosters a renewed emphasis on prayer, scripture, and the hope of return.
538 BC
Cyrus the Great's Edict
Cyrus the Great of Persia issues a decree allowing the exiled Judeans to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks the beginning of the return and the gradual restoration of worship.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The Second Temple is completed and dedicated in Jerusalem, a joyous occasion that allows for the resumption of sacrifices and public worship, though on a smaller scale than before the exile.
Post-Exilic Period (after 538 BC)— this verse
Resumption of Temple Worship
Following the return from exile and the rebuilding of the Temple, the practice of sacrifices, including sacrifices of thanksgiving, and calling on the name of the Lord is re-established. This verse reflects a heart responding to God’s deliverance within this restored context.
This passage echoes the idea of offering a sacrifice, but shifts it from an animal offering to the living sacrifice of our bodies, emphasizing that true worship is a holistic offering of ourselves to God.
Hebrews 13:15This verse directly links our 'sacrifice of praise' to calling on God's name, highlighting that our words of thanksgiving are the acceptable offerings God desires.
1 Chronicles 16:8This verse encourages us to 'give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples,' mirroring the psalmist's intention to both thank God and proclaim His name.
Psalm 50:23This passage emphasizes that the sacrifice that truly honors God is not a burnt offering, but a sacrifice of thanksgiving and calling on His name, aligning perfectly with the verse from Psalms 116.
pulpitPsalms 116:17: "I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD."
Verse 17. - I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Scarcely an actual sacrifice. Rather, simple thanksgiving, which, from a sincere heart, is the best sacrifice (see Psalm 50:14 and Hosea 14:2). And will call upon the Name of the Lord (comp. vers. 4 and 13).
henryPsalms 116:10-19: "I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:"
116:10-19 When troubled, we do best to hold our peace, for we are apt to speak unadvisedly. Yet there may be true faith where there are workings of unbelief; but then faith will prevail; and being humbled for our distrust of God's word, we shall experience his faithfulness to it. What can the pardoned sinner, or what can those who have been delivered from trouble or distress, render to the Lord for his benefits? W…
The psalmist doesn't just promise a general "thank you"; he specifies offering a "sacrifice of thanksgiving." This implies more than just words; it's about actively bringing something of value to God in gratitude, mirroring the ancient sacrificial system but pointing towards the deeper truth that our whole lives, offered in thankful service, become that acceptable sacrifice.
Fresh from a life-threatening ordeal, the psalmist is overflowing with gratitude and a desire to publicly acknowledge God's deliverance. He recounts his near-death experience and the Lord's saving intervention, leading him to commit to offering a sacrifice of praise and calling upon God's name. This vow sets the stage for his public declaration of thanksgiving and his determination to serve the Lord faithfully.
Fresh from a life-threatening ordeal, the psalmist is overflowing with gratitude and a desire to publicly acknowledge God's deliverance. He recounts his near-death experience and the Lord's saving intervention, leading him to commit to offering a sacrifice of praise and calling upon God's name. This vow sets the stage for his public declaration of thanksgiving and his determination to serve the Lord faithfully.
"I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusale…" — The psalmist doesn't just promise a general "thank you"; he specifies offering a "sacrifice of thanksgiving." This implies more than just words; it's about actively bringing something of value to God…
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Last reviewed October 2026
