I will sacrifice with a voice of thanksgiving

“But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.” - Jonah 2v9

Jonah knew the importance of thanksgiving. A couple of other places in Scripture thanksgiving is referred to as a sacrifice as well. Why is thanksgiving called a sacrifice? Why did Jonah say that he would sacrifice to God with a voice of thanksgiving?

There is a hint in the end of the verse – “salvation is of the Lord.” Jonah knew at this stage that he could not save himself. He had to swallow any pride that would let him think that he could do something about. The sacrifice here is of any pride in self-sufficiency. When that happens all we can do is to give thanks to the only One who can do anything to help.