תהלים, פרק ק״ז, פסוק ל״א

Surviving a dangerous journey across the ocean and safely reaching land brings a deep sense of relief that naturally calls for gratitude. After seafarers are rescued from life-threatening situations at sea, they have a duty to express their thanks to God. The primary approach among commentators is that these survivors must praise God for His kindness in saving them from death. Furthermore, they are expected to share the story of the miracles and wondrous events they witnessed in the depths of the sea, making these experiences known to everyone.

Expressing this gratitude is not meant to be a private moment. It requires a public declaration, and the nature of the praise shifts depending on who is listening. When speaking to the general public, who may not have a deep understanding of God's ways, the focus is on praising God for His hidden deeds. In contrast, when speaking before a gathering of elders and scholars who truly comprehend His actions, the praise centers on His revealed deeds.

This distinction directly shapes Jewish law regarding gratitude after surviving danger. To fulfill this obligation, a person who has been saved must publicly give thanks in the presence of ten people, and at least two of those individuals must be scholars [מלבי״ם].