Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.
O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;
But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.
The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalms 16 is a powerful expression of David's unwavering trust in the Lord, showcasing the joy and security found in a relationship with God. This psalm contrasts those who honor God with those who dishonor Him, emphasizing that God is the ultimate source of good and the believer's true inheritance. It also contains a messianic prophecy, pointing towards the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Context: David's Confidence in God
This psalm resonates with David's deep-seated confidence in God. Even amidst opposition and uncertainty, David recognized God's guidance and protection. It's possible David penned these words after receiving God's covenant promising him an everlasting throne (2_Samuel 7:1-17), a testament to his faith in God's promises. Notably, verse 10 is frequently cited in the New Testament in reference to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, adding another layer of significance to this psalm.
God as Refuge and Source of Good (Psalms 16:1-4)
David begins by appealing to God's sovereignty for protection, using three different Hebrew names for God: Elohim, Yahweh, and Adonai (16:1). This demonstrates the depth of his dependence on the Lord. He declares, "I have taken refuge in you," highlighting God as his safe haven.
David then makes a profound statement: "I have no good besides you" (16:2). This isn't just a statement of piety; it's a recognition that God is the ultimate source of all good things in his life. This begs the question: can we make the same declaration? Is God our ultimate joy and treasure? Believers should recognize that God is our only true source; everything else is merely a resource.
David's delight in God extends to a love for God's people (16:3). Those who are important to God become important to him. This demonstrates a heart aligned with God's own. In contrast, those who pursue other gods will find only multiplied sorrows (16:4). Idolatry, in any form, robs God of His glory and inevitably leads to grief. Remember, an idol can be any person, place, thing, or thought that we look to as our source instead of God.
God as Inheritance and Guide (Psalms 16:5-8)
In the Old Testament context, a "portion" symbolized one's fate or destiny, assigned by God. David declares, "The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup" (16:5). This signifies that God Himself is David's inheritance. Just as the Levites, who served in the tabernacle/temple, had the Lord as their inheritance (Numbers 18:20; Joshua 18:7), David recognizes that God is his true reward, far surpassing any material possession.
David continues, "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance" (16:6). This highlights the joy David finds in knowing that God, not his possessions, is his true inheritance. Any material blessings the Lord grants are merely bonuses, not our ultimate reward.
David expresses gratitude for God's guidance and instruction: "I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me" (16:7). He finds refuge in God's presence, allowing the Lord to instruct and guide him (16:7-8). Similarly, Christians are called to remain in Christ (John 15:1-8). By doing so, we experience stability in an uncertain life and bear fruit. The greater life's challenges, the more we should strive to remain in God's presence. Because David keeps the Lord always before him, he will not be shaken.
Hope Beyond the Grave (Psalms 16:9-11)
Even in the face of death, David expresses unwavering trust in God. His heart is glad, his tongue rejoices, and his body also will rest secure (16:9). David is confident that God will not abandon him to Sheol (the grave) or let his holy one see decay (16:10). This statement is not just a personal expression of faith; it's a prophetic declaration about the Messiah.
The Apostle Peter and Paul both apply this passage to Jesus Christ, whom God raised from the dead (Acts 2:24-28; 13:35). If this was true for King David, how much more is it true of the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ? This hope of resurrection adds to the believer's courage and confidence in all things.
David concludes with a glorious vision of eternity: "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures" (16:11). Both in history and in eternity, there is unfathomable joy in God’s presence. No challenge can overshadow this truth. Believers must make living in God's presence and anticipating an eternal future with Him a way of life. This psalm reminds us that true joy and security are found not in earthly possessions or circumstances, but in the unwavering presence and love of God.
Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.
O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;
But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.
The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalms 16 is a powerful expression of David's unwavering trust in the Lord, showcasing the joy and security found in a relationship with God. This psalm contrasts those who honor God with those who dishonor Him, emphasizing that God is the ultimate source of good and the believer's true inheritance. It also contains a messianic prophecy, pointing towards the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Context: David's Confidence in God
This psalm resonates with David's deep-seated confidence in God. Even amidst opposition and uncertainty, David recognized God's guidance and protection. It's possible David penned these words after receiving God's covenant promising him an everlasting throne (2_Samuel 7:1-17), a testament to his faith in God's promises. Notably, verse 10 is frequently cited in the New Testament in reference to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, adding another layer of significance to this psalm.
God as Refuge and Source of Good (Psalms 16:1-4)
David begins by appealing to God's sovereignty for protection, using three different Hebrew names for God: Elohim, Yahweh, and Adonai (16:1). This demonstrates the depth of his dependence on the Lord. He declares, "I have taken refuge in you," highlighting God as his safe haven.
David then makes a profound statement: "I have no good besides you" (16:2). This isn't just a statement of piety; it's a recognition that God is the ultimate source of all good things in his life. This begs the question: can we make the same declaration? Is God our ultimate joy and treasure? Believers should recognize that God is our only true source; everything else is merely a resource.
David's delight in God extends to a love for God's people (16:3). Those who are important to God become important to him. This demonstrates a heart aligned with God's own. In contrast, those who pursue other gods will find only multiplied sorrows (16:4). Idolatry, in any form, robs God of His glory and inevitably leads to grief. Remember, an idol can be any person, place, thing, or thought that we look to as our source instead of God.
God as Inheritance and Guide (Psalms 16:5-8)
In the Old Testament context, a "portion" symbolized one's fate or destiny, assigned by God. David declares, "The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup" (16:5). This signifies that God Himself is David's inheritance. Just as the Levites, who served in the tabernacle/temple, had the Lord as their inheritance (Numbers 18:20; Joshua 18:7), David recognizes that God is his true reward, far surpassing any material possession.
David continues, "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance" (16:6). This highlights the joy David finds in knowing that God, not his possessions, is his true inheritance. Any material blessings the Lord grants are merely bonuses, not our ultimate reward.
David expresses gratitude for God's guidance and instruction: "I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me" (16:7). He finds refuge in God's presence, allowing the Lord to instruct and guide him (16:7-8). Similarly, Christians are called to remain in Christ (John 15:1-8). By doing so, we experience stability in an uncertain life and bear fruit. The greater life's challenges, the more we should strive to remain in God's presence. Because David keeps the Lord always before him, he will not be shaken.
Hope Beyond the Grave (Psalms 16:9-11)
Even in the face of death, David expresses unwavering trust in God. His heart is glad, his tongue rejoices, and his body also will rest secure (16:9). David is confident that God will not abandon him to Sheol (the grave) or let his holy one see decay (16:10). This statement is not just a personal expression of faith; it's a prophetic declaration about the Messiah.
The Apostle Peter and Paul both apply this passage to Jesus Christ, whom God raised from the dead (Acts 2:24-28; 13:35). If this was true for King David, how much more is it true of the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ? This hope of resurrection adds to the believer's courage and confidence in all things.
David concludes with a glorious vision of eternity: "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures" (16:11). Both in history and in eternity, there is unfathomable joy in God’s presence. No challenge can overshadow this truth. Believers must make living in God's presence and anticipating an eternal future with Him a way of life. This psalm reminds us that true joy and security are found not in earthly possessions or circumstances, but in the unwavering presence and love of God.