Psalms 116:17

Whoever then by this love has attained the image and likeness of God will now delight in goodness for the pleasure of goodness itself. Now having a similar feeling of patience and gentleness, they will no longer be angered by the faults of sinners, but in compassion and sympathy will rather ask for pardon for their infirmities. And remembering that for so long they themselves were was tried by the stings of similar passions till by the Lord's mercy they were saved, they will feel that, as they were saved from carnal attacks not by the teaching of their own exertions but by God's protection, pity and not anger ought to be shown to those who go astray. With full peace of mind they will sing to God the following verse: "Thou hast broken my chains. I will offer to you the sacrifice of praise." And also: "Unless the Lord had helped me, my soul would have dwelt in hell."

It is for this raisin that to you I will sacrifice [Ps 115.8] neither quadrupeds with the hoof dividd who chew the cud, nor clan birds, nor fine flour mid with oil, nor pure frankincense, nor the incense of the mixture. For this are offers to you, Lord, from the earth. Instead I will offer that which is my very own personal possession and the offspring of my heart, namely, I will glorify you from my very own mind, as if from an altar. And I will sacrifice to you a sacrifice of praise [Ps 115.8], which is more precious to you than innumerable whole burnt offerings. For you, God, are self-sufficient and perfect. You do not demand the sacrifice of material goods, of which the affluent have more than their fair share; you demand instead confession from a good disposition and true heart which is something that all can share in equally if they wish to do so. - "On Psalm 115. Chapter 5."

While we often read that sacrifices were offered by David to the Lord, he adds this passage: "To you I will offer sacrifice of praise." He does not say "I offer sacrifice" but "I will offer sacrifice," meaning that the sacrifice will have been completed when each one stands before the Lord, freed of the chains of this body, and offers himself as a victim of praise. For before death no praise is completed, nor could anyone in this life be praised with final praise, since his later actions are uncertain. Death then is the freeing of the soul from the body. And so we have taught what was written by the apostle: "by far the better to be dissolved and to be with Christ." And what is the effect of that dissolution? The body is released and at rest, while the soul turns to its place of repose and is free; if it is devout, it is going to be with Christ.

I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving,.... For deliverance from afflictions and death; for loosing his bonds, in every sense; for all mercies, temporal and spiritual; see Rom 6:17; Such sacrifices are according to the will of God; are well pleasing to him, when offered up through Christ, and in faith, and are a glorifying of him. These are more acceptable than all ceremonial sacrifices; and therefore the psalmist determined to offer this, and not them; and will call upon the name of the Lord; See Gill on Psa 116:13.

Many good interpreters understand it of that cup, that bitter cup, which is yet sanctified to the saints, so that to them it is a cup of salvation. 19 , This shall turn to my salvation; it is a means of spiritual health. David's sufferings were typical of Christ's, and we, in ours, have communion with his, and his cup was indeed a cup of salvation.

If we have received kindness from a man like ourselves, we tell him that we hope we shall never trouble him again; but God is pleased to reckon the prayers of his people an honour to him, and a delight, and no trouble; and therefore, in gratitude for former mercies, we must seek to him for further mercies, and continue to call upon him.

I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Being thy servant, I am bound to sacrifice to thee, and having received spiritual blessings at thy hands I will not bring bullock or goat, but I will bring that which is more suitable, namely, the thanksgiving of my heart. My inmost soul shall adore thee in gratitude. And will call upon the name of the Lord, that is to say, I will bow before thee reverently, lift up my heart in love to thee, think upon thy character, and adore thee as thou dost reveal thyself.

I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Being thy servant, I am bound to sacrifice to thee, and having received spiritual blessings at thy hands I will not bring bullock or goat, but I will bring that which is more suitable, namely, the thanksgiving of my heart. My inmost soul shall adore thee in gratitude. And will call upon the name of the Lord, that is to say, I will bow before thee reverently, lift up my heart in love to thee, think upon thy character, and adore thee as thou dost reveal thyself. He is fond of this occupation, and several times in this Psalm declares that "he will call upon the name of the Lord, "while at the same time he rejoices that he had done so many a time before. Good feelings and actions bear repeating: the more of hearty callings upon God the better.

I will offer to thee - As it is most probable that this Psalm celebrates the deliverance from Babylon, it is no wonder that we find the psalmist so intent on performing the rites of his religion in the temple at Jerusalem, which had been burnt with fire, and was now reviving out of its ruins, the temple service having been wholly interrupted for nearly four-score years.

I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving - I will publicly thank and praise thee. See the notes at Psa 107:22. And will call upon the name of the Lord - Will worship and praise the Lord.