Thanksgiving for Deliverance from Extreme Perils
I believed, therefore have I spoken, literally, “for [this] I speak,” in speaking he exercised his faith, his speaking was a proof of his faith, 2 Corinthians 4, 13. I was greatly afflicted, but in spite of his affliction his faith manifested itself in the free confession of his mouth.
V. 11. I said in my haste, in his trembling and terror, the result of his deep dejection, All men are liars. Forsaken by men, miserably neglected by those from whom he expected assistance in his troubles, he has learned to put all his trust in God alone, to depend upon Him in the midst of all calamities.
V. 12. What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me? How repay His manifold expressions of love and goodness?
V. 13. I will take the cup of salvation, lifting up the cup of thanksgiving for his deliverance, the allusion probably being to this ceremony at the paschal meal, and call upon the name of the Lord, proclaiming Him and His attributes everywhere.
V. 14. I will pay my vows unto the Lord, the special offerings made to express his gratitude to Yahweh, now in the presence of all His people, he was willing and eager to do so in public, that all men might be witnesses of his sacrifice, Numbers 15, 3-5.
V. 15. Precious in the sight of the Lord, esteemed very highly by Him, is the death of His saints, that is, He will not readily let death take them away from before Him.
V. 16. O Lord, truly I am Thy servant; I am Thy servant and the son of Thine handmaid, wherefore, as a home-born servant, he claims the privileges of God’s covenant love toward His people. Thou hast loosed my bonds, giving him the freedom of the people of God. Hence he once more expresses his gratitude.
V. 17. I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call upon the name of the Lord. V. 18. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people, v. 19. in the courts of the Lord’s house, where the congregation assembled for public worship, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem.
Praise ye the Lord. All the believers of the New Testament joining in this hallelujah in honor of the God of their salvation and paying their vows to Him in cheerful service.