Psalms 107:22

KJV

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

KJV (with Strong's)

And let them sacrifice {H2076} the sacrifices {H2077} of thanksgiving {H8426}, and declare {H5608} his works {H4639} with rejoicing {H7440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and proclaim his great deeds with songs of joy.

Berean Standard Bible

Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare His works with rejoicing.

American Standard Version

And let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare his works with singing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 107:22 serves as a powerful exhortation to those who have experienced God's miraculous deliverance, urging them to respond with intentional, public, and joyful gratitude. It calls for the offering of sacrifices of thanksgiving, not as mere ritual, but as a profound expression of heartfelt praise, and for the open declaration of God's magnificent works, ensuring His unwavering faithfulness and power are proclaimed to all. This verse stands as a climactic command within a psalm that repeatedly showcases God's saving intervention across various human predicaments, emphasizing the expected response from the redeemed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 107 is a grand psalm of thanksgiving, meticulously structured around a recurring refrain: "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" This refrain appears four times (e.g., [Psalms 107:8](/psalms/107-8 "Psalms 107:8 - The Refrain of Praise")), marking the conclusion of four distinct narratives of distress and divine deliverance. The psalm vividly portrays various human predicaments—lost wanderers in the wilderness, prisoners in darkness, the sick afflicted by sin, and sailors imperiled by storms—each followed by God's miraculous rescue. After each deliverance, the psalmist inserts the refrain, culminating in a specific exhortation for the delivered to respond. Verse 22 specifically follows the dramatic account of those rescued from the raging sea (e.g., [Psalms 107:23-30](/psalms/107-23-30 "Psalms 107:23-30 - Deliverance from the Storm")), underscoring the appropriate and expected response to such divine intervention. It functions as a prescriptive command, summarizing the proper attitude and action for all who have been saved by God's mighty hand, echoing the broader themes found throughout [the entire psalm](/psalms/107 "Psalms 107 - God's Steadfast Love Endures").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "sacrifices of thanksgiving" in ancient Israel refers specifically to the *zevach todah* (זֶבַח תּוֹדָה), a type of peace offering (or fellowship offering) detailed in the Mosaic Law, particularly in [Leviticus 7:11-15](/leviticus/7-11-15 "Leviticus 7:11-15 - The Law of the Sacrifice of Peace Offerings"). Unlike sin offerings or burnt offerings, which were obligatory for atonement or dedication, the *zevach todah* was a voluntary offering, given out of spontaneous gratitude for a specific blessing, deliverance, or answered prayer. It was often accompanied by a communal meal, symbolizing fellowship with God and fellow worshippers, and was unique in that its meat had to be consumed on the same day it was offered. This practice underscored that gratitude was not merely an internal emotion but a tangible, public act of worship, involving both material offering and communal celebration. The "declaration of his works" was also a vital component of Israelite worship and testimony, serving to reinforce God's covenant faithfulness and encourage the community to trust in Him, as exemplified in passages like [Psalms 9:1](/psalms/9-1 "Psalms 9:1 - Declaring God's Marvelous Works").
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 107:22 encapsulates several pivotal themes central to the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **necessity of response to divine deliverance**. God's saving acts are not to be passively received but actively acknowledged with appropriate worship. Secondly, it emphasizes **gratitude as a sacrificial act**, moving beyond mere sentiment to intentional, costly worship. This "sacrifice of thanksgiving" signifies a joyful offering of one's praise and resources, reflecting a heart transformed by God's goodness. Thirdly, the theme of **public proclamation** is paramount; it is insufficient to privately acknowledge God's goodness, but His "works" must be "declared with rejoicing" to others, serving as a powerful testimony to His power and faithfulness. This public declaration reinforces the community's faith and glorifies God's name, fulfilling the very purpose for which He reveals Himself. Finally, the inclusion of "rejoicing" underscores that true worship is characterized by **joy and gladness**, reflecting the profound relief and delight of those who have experienced God's saving hand, a theme also beautifully expressed in [Psalms 30:11-12](/psalms/30-11-12 "Psalms 30:11-12 - Turning Mourning into Dancing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thanksgiving (Hebrew, _tôwdâh'_):** From the root _yadah_, this term properly signifies an "extension of the hand," implying avowal, adoration, or confession. In the context of "sacrifices of thanksgiving" (זֶבַח תּוֹדָה, _zevach todah_), _tôwdâh_ refers to a specific type of peace offering given as an expression of profound gratitude for deliverance or blessing. It denotes a public and formal acknowledgment of God's goodness, often accompanied by communal celebration. Beyond the ritual, it signifies a deep, heartfelt appreciation that manifests in outward, tangible expression.
* **Declare (Hebrew, _çâphar'_):** This primitive root means to score with a mark, to inscribe, to enumerate, and intensively, to recount or celebrate. When used in the context of "declaring His works," it implies a deliberate, comprehensive, and detailed narration of God's actions. It is not a vague acknowledgment but a precise testimony, designed to inform and impress upon others the reality and magnitude of God's intervention, celebrating His deeds.
* **Rejoicing (Hebrew, _rinnâh'_):** This noun, derived from the root _rânan_ (to creak or shrill), signifies a ringing cry, a joyful shout, or singing. It conveys an audible, exuberant, and often collective expression of gladness, triumph, or proclamation. The declaration of God's works is thus not to be a somber duty but an overflowing, joyful proclamation, reflecting the profound delight and triumph of those who have been rescued and blessed by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving":** This opening clause functions as an imperative, a direct command or exhortation to action. It calls for a specific act of worship—the *zevach todah*, a voluntary peace offering distinct from obligatory sin or burnt offerings. This offering was given out of profound gratitude for a specific deliverance or blessing, emphasizing a volitional, intentional, and costly act of gratitude. The use of the plural "sacrifices" might suggest either multiple offerings over time or the various components (e.g., animal, different types of bread) of a single elaborate thanksgiving offering, underscoring the comprehensive nature of this expression of gratitude, which goes beyond mere ritual to a genuine outpouring of a thankful heart.
* **"and declare his works with rejoicing":** This second clause is parallel to the first, outlining another essential aspect of the appropriate response to divine deliverance. To "declare" (סָפַר, _çâphar_) means to recount or narrate in detail, emphasizing a public testimony. The "works" refer to God's mighty acts of deliverance, intervention, and provision, as vividly detailed throughout Psalms 107. The phrase "with rejoicing" (בְּרִנָּה, _b'rinnâh_) specifies the manner in which this declaration is to be made—with an exuberant, joyful shout or song. This indicates that the proclamation should be infused with genuine gladness and triumph, reflecting the profound joy of those who have experienced God's salvation. It transforms the testimony from a mere recounting of facts into a vibrant, emotionally rich act of worship.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 107:22 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The verse is structured with **Parallelism**, specifically **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and declare his works with rejoicing") expands upon and completes the thought of the first ("And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving"). Both clauses describe the appropriate response to God's deliverance, with the second clause adding the crucial element of public, joyful proclamation. The verse also utilizes **Imperative Mood**, as indicated by "let them sacrifice" and "declare," which functions as a strong exhortation or command, urging the audience to action rather than merely describing a state. Furthermore, the "sacrifices of thanksgiving" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the physical act of sacrifice stands for the internal attitude of profound gratitude and the entire worshipful response it engenders. The phrase "with rejoicing" adds a layer of **Pathos** and **Emphasis**, highlighting the emotional intensity and genuine gladness that should accompany such declarations, making the act of testimony vibrant and compelling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores a fundamental theological truth: God's deliverance demands a grateful response. It highlights that true worship is not merely passive reception of blessing but active, intentional, and public acknowledgment of the Giver. The "sacrifice of thanksgiving" prefigures the New Testament concept of spiritual sacrifices, where believers offer their lives, praise, and good deeds as expressions of gratitude. The call to "declare his works" emphasizes the testimonial nature of faith, where personal experience of God's goodness becomes a public witness, glorifying His name and encouraging others. This public proclamation ensures that God's mighty deeds are not forgotten but are continually recounted, preserving the memory of His faithfulness for future generations and inviting others to acknowledge His sovereignty and goodness.

* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")
* [Psalms 9:1](/psalms/9-1 "Psalms 9:1 - Declaring God's Marvelous Works")
* [1 Chronicles 16:8-9](/1_chronicles/16-8-9 "1 Chronicles 16:8-9 - Give Thanks and Declare")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 107:22 serves as a timeless directive for believers today, transcending the specific Old Testament sacrificial system. While animal sacrifices are no longer required due to Christ's ultimate atonement, the underlying principle of offering heartfelt, intentional, and public gratitude remains paramount. We are called to cultivate a lifestyle of thanksgiving, recognizing God's hand in every deliverance, whether from physical danger, spiritual bondage, or daily anxieties. This involves not just an internal feeling but an outward expression—a "sacrifice of praise" that costs us something, perhaps our time, our pride, or our comfort, as we intentionally recount God's goodness. We are to be active witnesses, sharing our testimonies of God's "works" in our lives with others, not in a boastful way, but with genuine "rejoicing" that points to His glory. This public declaration encourages fellow believers, convicts unbelievers, and ensures that God receives the honor due His name, transforming our individual experiences into collective worship and mission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways has God delivered you or shown His "wonderful works" in your life recently?**
* **What does it mean for you to offer a "sacrifice of thanksgiving" in a practical sense today, beyond mere words?**
* **How can you more intentionally "declare his works with rejoicing" to those around you, both within and outside the church?**
* **Is your gratitude for God's blessings primarily private, or does it lead to a public, joyful proclamation of His goodness?**

### FAQ

**What is a "sacrifice of thanksgiving" in the Old Testament context?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, a "sacrifice of thanksgiving" (Hebrew: *zevach todah*) was a specific type of peace offering or fellowship offering. Unlike sin offerings (for atonement) or burnt offerings (for dedication), the *zevach todah* was a voluntary offering given out of profound gratitude for a specific blessing, deliverance, or answered prayer. It was characterized by the offering of unleavened cakes mingled with oil, wafers, and leavened bread, alongside the animal sacrifice. A unique aspect was that the meat had to be eaten on the same day it was offered, often in a communal meal, symbolizing fellowship between the worshiper, God, and the community. This practice reinforced that gratitude was not just an internal emotion but a public, costly, and communal act of worship.

**How does Psalms 107:22 apply to Christians today, since we no longer offer animal sacrifices?**

Answer: While the literal animal sacrifices of the Old Testament are fulfilled and rendered obsolete by Christ's perfect sacrifice on the cross (as highlighted in [Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1-10 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Sacrifice Superior to Animal Sacrifices")), the spiritual principles of Psalms 107:22 remain profoundly relevant for Christians. The "sacrifice of thanksgiving" is now understood as a "sacrifice of praise"—the "fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")). This means offering our sincere praise, worship, and confession of God's goodness, not just in words but in our lives. We "declare his works" by sharing our personal testimonies of His grace, mercy, and deliverance, proclaiming the Gospel message, and living lives that reflect His transforming power. This declaration is to be done "with rejoicing," reflecting the profound joy of our salvation in Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Thus, the verse calls us to a lifestyle of continuous, joyful gratitude and public witness to God's mighty acts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 107:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "sacrifices of thanksgiving" of the Old Covenant, though vital, were but shadows pointing to the perfect and singular sacrifice of Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His death on the cross is the supreme act of divine deliverance, freeing humanity from the ultimate distress of sin and death ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")). Our thanksgiving is therefore rooted not in temporary deliverances, but in the eternal salvation secured by His finished work ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Triumph in Christ")). We no longer offer animal sacrifices, for Christ is the [one perfect sacrifice that makes us holy](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's One Sacrifice"). Our "sacrifice of thanksgiving" now consists of offering our very lives as a living sacrifice ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), and continually offering the "sacrifice of praise" through our lips, acknowledging His name ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")). Furthermore, the "works" we are called to "declare with rejoicing" are preeminently the redemptive works of God in Christ—His incarnation, sinless life, atoning death, glorious resurrection, and ascension. We are witnesses to these "wonderful works" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")), proclaiming the Gospel with joy, for our ultimate deliverance and hope are found in Him alone ([Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 50:14

Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

Psalms 9:11

¶ Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.

Psalms 118:17

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.

Hebrews 13:15

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.

Psalms 116:17

I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.

Leviticus 7:12

If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.

Psalms 73:28

But [it is] good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.