What does calling "on the name of the LORD" signify in Psalm 116:17? The Key Phrase in the Verse Psalm 116:17: “I will offer to You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.” • “Call” translates the Hebrew qārāʾ—“to cry out, proclaim, invoke.” • “The name of the LORD” points specifically to the covenant name YHWH, God’s self-revealed identity (Exodus 3:14-15). • Together, the phrase signals an intentional, verbal act of turning to the living God on the basis of who He has declared Himself to be. Rooted in Israel’s History • Genesis 4:26: “At that time men began to call upon the name of the LORD.” • 1 Kings 18:24: Elijah urged Israel to “call on the name of your god,” contrasting dead idols with the living LORD. • Psalm 50:15: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” Throughout Scripture, calling on the LORD marks those who trust His covenant faithfulness and reject all rival saviors. An Act of Dependent Faith • In Psalm 116 the writer recalls being “brought low” (v. 6) and delivered from death (v. 8). • Verse 4 records the pivotal moment: “Then I called on the name of the LORD: ‘O LORD, deliver my soul!’” • Calling, therefore, signifies: – Confidence that God hears and answers. – Admission of personal inability. – Appeal to God’s mercy, not personal merit. Public Confession and Worship • The psalmist links calling with a “sacrifice of thanksgiving,” showing that vocal petition naturally overflows into open praise. • Calling on His name publicly declares God’s worth and advertises His saving power to others (Psalm 116:14, 18). • Joel 2:32 and Romans 10:13 extend this pattern, promising salvation to “everyone who calls on the name of the LORD,” reinforcing that genuine faith is never a silent, hidden matter. Tied to the Thanksgiving Sacrifice • Under the Mosaic law a peace-offering of thanksgiving (Leviticus 7:12-15) was eaten in fellowship with God and community. • By pairing that offering with calling on the LORD, Psalm 116:17 shows gratitude and dependence held together: the saved soul both celebrates and continues to rely on God. New Testament Echoes • Acts 2:21 quotes Joel: “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved,” revealing that the risen Jesus is the LORD to be called upon. • 1 Corinthians 1:2 describes believers as those “everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” carrying the Psalm 116 pattern into church life. Personal Application Today Calling on the name of the LORD in light of Psalm 116:17 means: • Verbally invoking God’s revealed character and promises. • Casting oneself on His mercy for rescue, guidance, and ongoing help. • Proclaiming His faithfulness before others as a grateful witness. • Uniting petition with thanksgiving, acknowledging past deliverance while trusting for future grace. |
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