Psalms 116:14

Psalm 116:14, "I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people," is a declaration of the psalmist's intention to fulfill a promise made to God. This verse is part of a larger psalm that expresses deep gratitude to the Lord for deliverance from death and a plea for God's continued favor. The historical context of the Psalms, including this one, often reflects the personal experiences of the authors, who may have been leaders like David, or the collective experiences of Israel, composed during various periods of Israel's history, from the early monarchy to the post-exilic era.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, vows were conditional promises made to God, often in times of distress, with the expectation that if God granted the desired relief or blessing, the individual would offer something of value in return, such as a sacrifice or a commitment to a certain behavior. The act of paying a vow was a public testimony of faith, acknowledging God's role in the individual's life and expressing devotion through tangible acts of worship.

The phrase "in the presence of all his people" underscores the communal aspect of worship in ancient Israel. Religious acts were not private matters but were to be witnessed by the community, reinforcing the individual's commitment and demonstrating faithfulness to God in a way that could inspire and encourage others. This communal witness also served as a public acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, inviting the congregation to join in praise and thanksgiving.

In summary, Psalm 116:14 reflects the themes of gratitude, faithfulness, and public worship. It captures the psalmist's personal resolve to honor a sacred promise, while also highlighting the importance of the community in the religious life of ancient Israel. The verse stands as a testament to the enduring nature of vows made to God and the significance of fulfilling them within the context of the worshiping community.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

Strong's Number: H7999
There are 107 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁלַם
Transliteration: shâlam
Pronunciation: shaw-lam'
Description: a primitive root; to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate (in various applications); make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely.
Strong's Number: H5088
There are 57 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נֶדֶר
Transliteration: neder
Pronunciation: neh'-der
Description: or נֵדֶר; from נָדַר; a promise (to God); also (concretely) a thing promised; vow(-ed).
Strong's Number: H3068
There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יְהֹוָה
Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
Strong's Number: H5971
There are 1654 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עַם
Transliteration: ʻam
Pronunciation: am
Description: from עָמַם; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people.

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