Today’s lesson is found in Psalm 116: 1-19. Let’s think about vows. The most familiar vows would probably be marriage vows and the vows a person makes when he joins the local church. Other vows are in the form of contracts, like when a person purchases a vehicle or a home. A vow is like a promise. It is important for a person to keep his vow because their are consequences if he doesn’t. When a vow is broken, it effects the person breaking the vow and his relationship with others. Also, there can be danger in delaying the performance of a vow.
Psalm 116 is the fourth of six psalms (113-118) known as the Hallelujah (hymns of praise). These were sung by the Hebrews at Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. In the psalm we study today, the author particularly praises God for delivering him from death and it’s attendant sorrows. Jesus no doubt sang this song at His last Passover before the crucifixion. The writer was apparently suffering and in danger because of a serious illness or treachery of men. However, he rejoices because God heard his cry and delivered him from certain death.
The first section is “I Called.” (vv. 1-4) In the first verse and in Psalm 18:1 are the only places in the Psalms where “I love” occurs with God as the direct object. The psalmist states that he loves the LORD because God “heard my voice and my supplication.” God drew near and listened attentively. The psalmist vows, “I will call upon him as long as I live.” Since God has answered us in the past, we can trust Him to hear in the future. This is one reason that ”Men ought always to pray, and not faint.” (Luke 18:1) Death was surrounding the author. There was physical suffering and mental anguish. He had found “trouble and sorrow.” However, he called upon the name of the LORD, and prayed for deliverance. When in trouble, one should begin with calling upon the name of the LORD! This was not a cry for deliverance from sin, but a prayer for deliverance from death.
The second section is “God Answered.” (vv. 5-11) God is "gracious...righteous...merciful." It is God's character that provides a solid basis for our faith. He is merciful and compassionate. He preserves the simple. Simple means those who are childlike in their sincerity and unwavering in their trust in Him. The psalmist had reached a point of deep anguish, but when God answered him, "rest" returned to his soul. "Rest" means a perfect, undistrubed rest, a state of tranquility and repose. God "dealt bountifully" with him and "delivered my (his) soul from death."
The psalmist made a second vow: "I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living." He had been delivered and the life he now had was a gift from God. He would live pleasing to Him. Verse 10 states a faith principle: "I believed, therefore have I spoken...." Though things looked desperate, he kept his faith in God and now he could testify of God's goodness. This section closes with the statement: "All men are liars" which speaks of the truth that human aid will never equal God's provision. He was in danger of becoming bitter and full of self-pity, but God.... There is always a"but God," when you keep your faith and trust in Him.
The third section is "Expressed Gratitude." (vv. 12-19) In verse 13, the psalmist makes his third declaration of promise: "I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD." The word "take" means "to accept" and "to lift up." The lifting of the cup symbolized an acknowledgement and acceptance of what God had provided. We rely upon God for salvation for without His grace, we would not choose Him. Verses 14 and 18 are identical, and serve as a summary vow, a confirmation that he will keep the other vows which he has made. God had miraculously delivered the author of this psalm from the clutches of death. While death is universal to the saved and unsaved, the sting of death has been removed for the saint of God. Verses 16 and 17 are the third time the author speaks directly to the Lord. The first two times were in verse 4 and 8. He affirms his devotion to God and offers himself as a bondslave. The psalmist make his fourth vow in verse 17: "I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving." In view of all that God has done for the psalmist, he feels that this is the most appropriate thing left for him to do. He will combine thanksgiving with public praise in the very "courts of the LORD's house." He concludes the psalm with an invitation for others to join him in praising God. Thus ends the fourth psalm of Hallel.
My summary points:
1. When in trouble, call upon the LORD, first.
2. God will answer your call.
3. Be sure to thank and praise God for His goodness to you.
The Golden Text is: "I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD." (Jonah 2:9) Adam Clarke said: "I will make a sincere vow, which, as soon as my circumstances will permit, I will faithfully execute...." It is best never to delay the paying of a vow. A delay can lead to a denial. Our God is a faithful Saviour and Redeemer, He alone is the Deliverer. We should always be faithful to Him and follow His example the best we can.
Next week: "Our Help Is in the Lord." Psalm 123: 1-8
Don't forget to read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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