Psalms 116:13

Commentary on Psalms 116:13 (KJV)

Psalms 116:13: "I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD."

Context

Psalm 116 is a profound psalm of thanksgiving, in which the psalmist recounts God's deliverance from great distress and near-death experiences. The entire chapter expresses deep gratitude for God's mercy, faithfulness, and the hearing of prayers. Having been rescued from a desperate situation, the psalmist reflects on how he can adequately repay the Lord for His goodness (Psalm 116:12). Verse 13, therefore, serves as a direct and personal answer, outlining two significant ways the psalmist will respond to God's saving grace.

Key Themes

• Gratitude and Thanksgiving: The verse is a heartfelt declaration of thanks, not merely a passive feeling but an active, public commitment to acknowledge God's saving acts. It represents the psalmist's personal response to divine intervention.
• Salvation and Deliverance: The "cup of salvation" symbolizes the full measure of God's saving work and the blessings of deliverance. It's an acceptance and celebration of the rescue God has provided, encompassing physical safety, spiritual well-being, and peace.
• Dependence and Worship: "Calling upon the name of the LORD" signifies a continued, active reliance on God and an act of worship. It's a public acknowledgment of His sovereignty, power, and the personal relationship one has with Him. This act reinforces the psalmist's commitment to prayer and trust in God's ongoing care.
• Covenantal Remembrance: The act of "taking the cup" can also evoke ancient covenant rituals or solemn vows made in gratitude, emphasizing the psalmist's renewed commitment to God in response to His faithfulness. This is reinforced by subsequent verses where the psalmist speaks of performing vows (Psalm 116:14, Psalm 116:18).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the cup of salvation" (Hebrew: כּוֹס יְשׁוּעוֹת, kos yeshu'ot) is highly symbolic. In ancient cultures, a "cup" often represented one's portion or destiny, whether of joy, blessing, suffering, or wrath (e.g., Psalm 23:5, Jeremiah 25:15, Matthew 26:39). Here, it specifically denotes the full measure of God's blessings and deliverance. To "take" or lift this cup implies a joyful acceptance and public acknowledgement of these divine favors, perhaps in a ceremonial libation or a shared meal of thanksgiving.

"Call upon the name of the LORD" (Hebrew: וּבְשֵׁם יְהוָה אֶקְרָא, u'vshem Yahweh eqra) signifies a direct, personal, and public invocation of God. It's an act of worship that acknowledges God's character, power, and covenant faithfulness. This phrase emphasizes dependence on God and is a fundamental expression of faith throughout the Bible, promising salvation to those who do so (Joel 2:32, Romans 10:13).

Practical Application

Psalms 116:13 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

1. Embrace God's Deliverance: Just as the psalmist received salvation, believers are called to accept the ultimate "cup of salvation" offered through Jesus Christ, who bore the cup of God's wrath so we could receive His grace. This is celebrated in the New Testament as the cup of blessing in the Lord's Supper, reminding us of His sacrifice.
2. Practice Active Gratitude: This verse encourages us to move beyond passive thankfulness to active expressions of gratitude for God's goodness in our lives, whether through worship, service, or testimony.
3. Maintain a Life of Prayer: "Calling upon the name of the LORD" highlights the ongoing importance of prayer and direct communication with God, not only in times of need but also in thanksgiving and daily dependence. It reminds us that our relationship with God is personal and continuous.
4. Fulfill Your Vows: Implicit in the psalmist's declaration is a commitment to live in a way that honors God's deliverance. This can translate into fulfilling spiritual commitments, living obediently, and testifying to God's faithfulness to others.