God’s deliverance deserves faithful follow-through on every word of devotion spoken in our darkest hours.
“Which my lips uttered And my mouth spoke when I was in distress.” (Psalm 66:14). The psalmist here recalls a vow he pledged to God in a season of desperate need. Having received God’s deliverance, he now brings to remembrance words once spoken in anguish, determined to make good on his commitment. In ancient Israel, such vows often involved offerings made as payment of a promise, referred to as “votive offerings,” and represented a believer’s sincere gratitude for God’s intervention. These vow offerings were promised gifts and were to be offered in the prescribed manner (Deuteronomy 12:11).
By tying this fulfillment of his vow to worship in God’s house (Psalm 66:13), the psalmist emphasizes that genuine devotion involves both the plea for mercy and the thankful action of repaying what was pledged once mercy arrives. In his distress, he used his lips to call upon the Lord; now, in steadfast love, he uses those same lips to celebrate the Lord’s mighty works. This pattern of vow-making and vow-keeping underscores the psalmist’s humility before the One who rescued him, as well as his determination to honor God publicly for His faithfulness.
Although this verse refers primarily to the psalmist’s own vow, it foreshadows the believer’s privilege to call upon God, receive blessings, and then respond with gratitude and devotion. Vows to God were never to be taken lightly, but rather fulfilled with joy and reverence, recognizing that every such promise is an expression of worship toward the Lord.
Set to dark mode
Psalms 66:14 meaning
“Which my lips uttered And my mouth spoke when I was in distress.” (Psalm 66:14). The psalmist here recalls a vow he pledged to God in a season of desperate need. Having received God’s deliverance, he now brings to remembrance words once spoken in anguish, determined to make good on his commitment. In ancient Israel, such vows often involved offerings made as payment of a promise, referred to as “votive offerings,” and represented a believer’s sincere gratitude for God’s intervention. These vow offerings were promised gifts and were to be offered in the prescribed manner (Deuteronomy 12:11).
By tying this fulfillment of his vow to worship in God’s house (Psalm 66:13), the psalmist emphasizes that genuine devotion involves both the plea for mercy and the thankful action of repaying what was pledged once mercy arrives. In his distress, he used his lips to call upon the Lord; now, in steadfast love, he uses those same lips to celebrate the Lord’s mighty works. This pattern of vow-making and vow-keeping underscores the psalmist’s humility before the One who rescued him, as well as his determination to honor God publicly for His faithfulness.
Although this verse refers primarily to the psalmist’s own vow, it foreshadows the believer’s privilege to call upon God, receive blessings, and then respond with gratitude and devotion. Vows to God were never to be taken lightly, but rather fulfilled with joy and reverence, recognizing that every such promise is an expression of worship toward the Lord.