Pay Your Vows

This Psalm breaks down into 2 parts: notice the words of thanksgiving in verses 1-11, and the acts of thanksgiving in verses 12-19. The 2nd section is introduced by the question in v. 12. In the 2nd section, we see that Biblical thanksgiving is expressed in the performing and keeping of vows.
In our culture, thanksgiving is almost always limited to words or feelings. We ‘say' thanks. Biblical Hebrew has no such corresponding word or idea. Biblical thanksgiving has everything to do with actions. The Hebrew word for “thanks” can be translated “responsive praise,” or “responsive act.” It envisions a response. Christians are called to express their thanksgiving with 3 things:

I. TAKING UP THE CUP OF SALVATION (v. 13a)
• The ‘cup' is a covenant reminder/ratification. It symbolizes Christ's pledge to us.
• For the Christian, the ‘cup' is symbolic of a pledge to uphold a certain responsibility.

II. CALLING UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD (vv. 13b, 17b)
• Calling upon the name of the LORD is synonymous with worship. Gen. 4:25,26.
• Worship marks us out as being of the seed of promise.

III. PAYING OUR VOWS TO THE LORD (vv. 14a, 18)
• Paying of vows is the overarching principle of thanksgiving. Biblical thanksgiving is expressed in terms of vow keeping.
• Our vows are expressed and performed in the presence of God's people. There is a corporate aspect of vow making and vow keeping.