Psalm 116
1I love Yahweh, because he listens to my voice, and my cries for mercy. 2Because he has turned his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. 3The cords of death surrounded me, the pains of Sheol got a hold of me. I found trouble and sorrow. 4Then I called on Yahweh’s name: “Yahweh, I beg you, deliver my soul.” 5Yahweh is gracious and righteous. Yes, our God is merciful. 6Yahweh preserves the simple. I was brought low, and he saved me. 7Return to your rest, my soul, for Yahweh has dealt bountifully with you. 8For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. 9I will walk before Yahweh in the land of the living. 10I believed, therefore I said, “I was greatly afflicted.” 11I said in my haste, “All people are liars.” 12What will I give to Yahweh for all his benefits toward me? 13I will take the cup of salvation, and call on Yahweh’s name. 14I will pay my vows to Yahweh, yes, in the presence of all his people. 15Precious in Yahweh’s sight is the death of his saints. 16Yahweh, truly I am your servant. I am your servant, the son of your servant girl. You have freed me from my chains. 17I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call on Yahweh’s name. 18I will pay my vows to Yahweh, yes, in the presence of all his people, 19in the courts of Yahweh’s house, in the middle of you, Jerusalem. Praise Yah!
Introduction
Psalms 116
This is a thanksgiving psalm; it is not certain whether David penned it upon any particular occasion or upon a general review of the many gracious deliverances God had wrought for him, out of six troubles and seven, which deliverances draw from him many very lively expressions of devotion, love, and gratitude; and with similar pious affections our souls should be lifted up to God in singing it. Observe, I. The great distress and danger that the psalmist was in, which almost drove him to despair (Psa 116:3, Psa 116:10, Psa 116:11). II. The application he made to God in that distress (Psa 116:4). III. The experience he had of God's goodness to him, in answer to prayer; God heard him (Psa 116:1, Psa 116:2), pitied him (Psa 116:5, Psa 116:6), delivered him (Psa 116:8). IV His care respecting the acknowledgments he should make of the goodness of God to him (Psa 116:12). 1. He will love God (Psa 116:1). 2. He will continue to call upon him (Psa 116:2, Psa 116:13, Psa 116:17). 3. He will rest in him (Psa 116:7). 4. He will walk before him (Psa 116:9). 5. He will pay his vows of thanksgiving, in which he will own the tender regard God had to him, and this publicly (Psa 116:13-15, Psa 116:17-19). Lastly, He will continue God's faithful servant to his life's end (Psa 116:16). These are such breathings of a holy soul as bespeak it very happy.
Cross-references: Ps 116:3 · Ps 116:10 · Ps 116:11 · Ps 116:4 · Ps 116:1 · Ps 116:2 · Ps 116:5 · Ps 116:6 · Ps 116:8 · Ps 116:12 · Ps 116:13 · Ps 116:17 · Ps 116:7 · Ps 116:9 · Ps 116:16