◄ Psalm 56:12 ►
Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to You.
Study Bible
Your vows
The phrase "Your vows" refers to the promises or commitments made to God. In the Hebrew context, the word for vows, "נדריך" (neder), signifies a solemn promise made to God, often in times of distress or need. These vows were not taken lightly, as they were binding and sacred. Historically, vows were a common practice in ancient Israel, reflecting a deep personal commitment to God. The psalmist acknowledges that these vows are not just personal but are seen as being upon him, indicating a sense of divine obligation and responsibility to fulfill them.

are upon me
The phrase "are upon me" suggests a sense of weight or responsibility. In the Hebrew, the word "עלי" (alay) conveys the idea of something resting upon or being imposed on someone. This implies that the psalmist feels the weight of his commitments to God, recognizing that these vows are not just verbal declarations but carry a significant spiritual and moral obligation. It reflects a deep awareness of the seriousness of making promises to God and the importance of living in accordance with them.

O God
The invocation "O God" is a direct address to the divine, emphasizing the personal relationship between the psalmist and God. The Hebrew word used here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), a plural form that denotes majesty and power. This name for God underscores His sovereignty and authority, reminding the reader of God's supreme position in the universe. The psalmist's use of this name reflects a deep reverence and acknowledgment of God's greatness and his own dependence on the divine.

I will render
The phrase "I will render" indicates a future action, a commitment to fulfill a promise. The Hebrew verb "אֲשַׁלֵּם" (ashallem) means to complete or fulfill, often used in the context of paying a vow or debt. This reflects the psalmist's determination to act on his promises, showing a proactive stance in his relationship with God. It highlights the importance of not just making vows but actively working to fulfill them as an expression of faithfulness and gratitude.

thank offerings
"Thank offerings" refers to sacrifices made in gratitude to God. In Hebrew, the term "תּוֹדָה" (todah) is used, which is derived from the root word for thanks or praise. These offerings were a part of the sacrificial system in ancient Israel, symbolizing thanksgiving and acknowledgment of God's blessings and deliverance. The psalmist's commitment to offer thank offerings indicates a heart of gratitude and recognition of God's goodness and faithfulness in his life.

to You
The phrase "to You" personalizes the act of offering, directing it specifically to God. It emphasizes the relational aspect of worship and thanksgiving, where the psalmist acknowledges that his offerings are not just ritualistic acts but are meant for God alone. This highlights the personal nature of the psalmist's devotion and the understanding that all acts of worship and gratitude are ultimately directed towards God, the source of all blessings.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of Psalm 56, David is expressing his trust and commitment to God amidst his trials. This psalm is attributed to a time when he was seized by the Philistines in Gath.

2. God
The central figure to whom David is speaking, acknowledging His sovereignty and faithfulness.

3. Philistines in Gath
The adversaries of David during the time this psalm was written, representing the external pressures and threats he faced.
Teaching Points
Commitment to God
David's declaration of vows signifies a deep commitment to God. As believers, we are called to honor our commitments to God, recognizing His faithfulness in our lives.

Gratitude in Trials
Offering thank offerings, especially during difficult times, is a powerful act of faith. It shifts our focus from our problems to God's provision and sovereignty.

The Power of Vows
Vows are serious commitments made before God. They should be made thoughtfully and fulfilled diligently, reflecting our trust and reliance on Him.

Worship as a Response
Worship, through thank offerings, is a response to God's goodness. It is an expression of our love and reverence for Him, acknowledging His work in our lives.

Living Sacrifices
In the New Testament context, believers are called to be living sacrifices, offering our lives as thank offerings to God through our actions, words, and thoughts.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean to have "vows upon me" in the context of your personal relationship with God?

2. How can you incorporate the practice of offering thank offerings in your daily life, especially during challenging times?

3. Reflect on a time when you made a vow to God. How did fulfilling or not fulfilling that vow impact your spiritual journey?

4. How does the concept of thank offerings in the Old Testament relate to the New Testament call to offer a sacrifice of praise?

5. In what ways can you be a living sacrifice, offering your life as a thank offering to God in your current circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 50:14
This verse also speaks about offering thank offerings to God, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and fulfilling vows to the Lord.

Jonah 2:9
Jonah, in the belly of the fish, vows to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, showing a similar commitment to God in dire circumstances.

Hebrews 13:15
This New Testament verse encourages believers to continually offer a sacrifice of praise, connecting the concept of thank offerings to the life of a Christian.
Sermons
VowsW. Forsyth Psalm 56:12
Fear and DeliveranceW. Forsyth Psalm 56:1-13
The Deprecable and the DesirableHomilistPsalm 56:1-13
The Struggle and Victory of FaithC. Short Psalm 56:1-13
Christian VowsDean Alford.Psalm 56:12-13
The Christian's Vows and PraisesJ. D. Lane, M. APsalm 56:12-13
People
David, Psalmist, Saul
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Binding, Debt, Memory, O, Offerings, Perform, Praise, Praises, Present, Render, Repay, Thank, Thank-offerings, Thanks, Vows
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 56:12

     5741   vows

Psalm 56:12-13

     6634   deliverance
     7476   thank-offering

Library
March 27. "What Time I am Afraid, I Will Trust in Thee" (Ps. Lvi. 3).
"What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee" (Ps. lvi. 3). We shall never forget a remark Mr. George Mueller once made in answer to a gentleman who asked him the best way to have strong faith. "The only way," replied the patriarch of faith, "to learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings." This is very true. The time to trust is when all else fails. Dear one, if you scarcely realize the value of your present opportunity, if you are …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

A Song of Deliverance
'For Thou hast delivered my soul from death: hast Thou not delivered my feet from falling? that I may walk before God in the light of the living.'--PSALM lvi. 13 (R.V.). According to the ancient Jewish tradition preserved in the superscription of this psalm, it was written at the lowest ebb of David's fortunes, 'when the Philistines took him in Gath,' and as you may remember, he saved himself by adding the fox's hide to the lion's skin, and by pretending to be an idiot, degraded as well as delivered …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Fear and Faith
What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee. 4. ... In God I have put my trust: I will not fear.'--PSALM lvi. 3, 4. It is not given to many men to add new words to the vocabulary of religious emotion. But so far as an examination of the Old Testament avails, I find that David was the first that ever employed the word that is here translated, I will trust, with a religious meaning. It is found occasionally in earlier books of the Bible in different connections, never in regard to man's relations …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

January the Thirtieth Irresistible Artillery
"When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back." --PSALM lvi. But it must be a real "cry"! It must not be an idle recitation which sheds no blood. It must be a cry like the cry of the drowning, a cry which cleaves the air like a bullet. Said a man to me some while ago, "Assault the heavens with cries for me!" That is the cry which takes the kingdom by storm. When such a cry rends the heavens, "my enemies turn back." A secret and irresistible artillery begins to play upon them, and their …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Now this Election the Apostle Demonstrating to Be...
17. Now this election the Apostle demonstrating to be, not of merits going before in good works, but election of grace, saith thus: "And in this time a remnant by election of grace is saved. But if by grace, then is it no more of works, otherwise grace is no more grace." [2672] This is election of grace; that is, election in which through the grace of God men are elected: this, I say, is election of grace which goes before all good merits of men. For if it be to any good merits that it is given, …
St. Augustine—On Patience

Motives to Holy Mourning
Let me exhort Christians to holy mourning. I now persuade to such a mourning as will prepare the soul for blessedness. Oh that our hearts were spiritual limbecs, distilling the water of holy tears! Christ's doves weep. They that escape shall be like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity' (Ezekiel 7:16). There are several divine motives to holy mourning: 1 Tears cannot be put to a better use. If you weep for outward losses, you lose your tears. It is like a shower …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Providence of God
Q-11: WHAT ARE GOD'S WORKS OF PROVIDENCE? A: God's works of providence are the acts of his most holy, wise, and powerful government of his creatures, and of their actions. Of the work of God's providence Christ says, My Father worketh hitherto and I work.' John 5:17. God has rested from the works of creation, he does not create any new species of things. He rested from all his works;' Gen 2:2; and therefore it must needs be meant of his works of providence: My Father worketh and I work.' His kingdom …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Degrees of Sin
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. He that delivered me unto thee, has the greater sin.' John 19: 11. The Stoic philosophers held that all sins were equal; but this Scripture clearly holds forth that there is a gradual difference in sin; some are greater than others; some are mighty sins,' and crying sins.' Amos 5: 12; Gen 18: 21. Every sin has a voice to speak, but some …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

A Few Sighs from Hell;
or, The Groans of the Damned Soul: or, An Exposition of those Words in the Sixteenth of Luke, Concerning the Rich Man and the Beggar WHEREIN IS DISCOVERED THE LAMENTABLE STATE OF THE DAMNED; THEIR CRIES, THEIR DESIRES IN THEIR DISTRESSES, WITH THE DETERMINATION OF GOD UPON THEM. A GOOD WARNING WORD TO SINNERS, BOTH OLD AND YOUNG, TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BETIMES, AND TO SEEK, BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, TO AVOID, LEST THEY COME INTO THE SAME PLACE OF TORMENT. Also, a Brief Discourse touching the …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Great Shepherd
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. I t is not easy for those, whose habits of life are insensibly formed by the customs of modern times, to conceive any adequate idea of the pastoral life, as obtained in the eastern countries, before that simplicity of manners, which characterized the early ages, was corrupted, by the artificial and false refinements of luxury. Wealth, in those …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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