Psalm 116:12

• The Lord’s gracious gifts are so great that the psalmist can do nothing to repay his debt. Keeping his promises publicly demonstrates his gratitude.

• All he has done for the psalmist includes answers to prayer, rescue, and life.

• The cup of salvation overflows with God’s blessings (Psalm 23:5), unlike the cup of judgment (75:8).

• The psalmist makes vows (Psalm 116:18) to praise the Lord publicly (116:17–18).

This song of thanksgiving rejoices in God’s character and in rescue from death (Psalm 116:1–11). It gives an assurance of God’s protection in life and reminds the godly that the Lord watches over them even at death. The psalmist commits to living as God’s servant and resolves to honor him publicly (Psalm 116:12–19).

These psalms are called the Egyptian Hallel. Hallel means “praise.” Jewish people use these psalms during Passover, which began when God brought Israel out of Egypt in the exodus. The people recite Psalms 113–114 before the Passover meal, and Psalms 115–118 are recited afterward.

The word Hallelujah! is repeated throughout this group of psalms.