Holy Week · Holy (Maundy) Thursday
Psalm 116:12-19
The Cup of Salvation
April 2, 2026
Overview & Insights
“I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 116:13)
Psalm 116 is a thanksgiving psalm that celebrates deliverance from near-death distress (cf. esp. Ps. 30). It consists of a proclamation of praise and an introductory summary (vv. 1–2), as well as recollections of the distress (v. 3), of the cry to God (v. 4), and of Yahweh’s deliverance (vv. 8–11). Contained in this report is hymnic praise (vv. 5–6; so cf. 30:4–5, which also “interrupts” a report of deliverance) that confesses a general principle of praise exemplified in this testimony. The closing section narrates the thanksgiving rituals and ceremony that accompany the singing of this thanksgiving psalm (vv. 12–14, 17–19), along with more embedded hymnic praise and personal testimony (vv. 15–16).
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Commentary
Psalm 116 Commentary: Love the Lord Who Hears Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik covers the cup of salvation and paying vows in the presence of the people.
Psalm 116 Commentary Precept Austin
A study hub of notes and cross references on the psalm of thanksgiving for deliverance.
Psalm 116:12 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators on what shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Why is Psalm 116 sung in Holy Week?
Delivered from the snares of death, the psalmist vows to lift the cup of salvation and pay his vows, words fitting for the night of the Last Supper.
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