The Bible: Psalms Chapter 116: with Audio and Commentary.

Version: World English Bible.

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Psalms Chapter 116

1 I love the LORD, because he listens to my voice, and my cries for mercy.

2 Because he has turned his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

3 The cords of death surrounded me, the pains of Sheol got a hold of me. I found trouble and sorrow.

4 Then I called on the LORD's name: "LORD, I beg you, deliver my soul."

5 The LORD is Gracious and righteous. Yes, our God is merciful.

6 The LORD preserves the simple. I was brought low, and he saved me.

7 Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

8 For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

10 I believed, therefore I said, "I was greatly afflicted."

11 I said in my haste, "All people are liars."

12 What will I give to the LORD for all his benefits towards me?

13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the LORD's name.

14 I will pay my vows to the LORD, yes, in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in the LORD's sight is the death of his saints.

16 LORD, truly I am your servant. I am your servant, the son of your servant girl. You have freed me from my chains.

17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call on the LORD's name.

18 I will pay my vows to the LORD, yes, in the presence of all his people,

19 in the courts of the LORD's house, in the middle of you, Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

Footnotes

Verse 3 (Sheol)
Sheol is the place of the dead.

Version: World English Bible

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Psalms Chapter 116 Guide

This is the fourth song of the Hallel. In it the note of triumph over death, with which the last one closed, is elaborated. The singer had evidently been in some grave peril in which he had practically despaired of life. From the peril he had been delivered by Jehovah, and now he sings His praise. It has two movements. The first tells of his love, and declares its reason and its issue (vv. Psalms 116:1-9). The second tells of his resulting faith, breaks forth into new exultation, and affirms his determination to praise (vv. Psalms 116:10-19).

His love is the outcome of Jehovah’s love manifested on his behalf when in the very bonds of death he cried to Him. The issue is that he will walk before Jehovah. His faith thus confirmed, he breaks into new song, and dedicates himself afresh to the high service of thanksgiving.

Whatever the local circumstances which gave rise to this song, it is evident that all its rich meaning was fulfilled, when in the midst of that little company of perplexed souls, the shadows of the One Death already on Him, Jesus sang this song of prophetic triumph over the sharpness of the hour of passion to which He was passing. He has made it over to all His own as their triumph song over death.

From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.

Psalms Chapter 116 Commentary

Chapter Outline

  1. The psalmist declares his love to the Lord. -- (1-9)
  2. His desire to be thankful. -- (10-19)

Verses 1-9

We have many reasons for loving the Lord, but are most affected by his loving-kindness when relieved out of deep distress. When a poor sinner is awakened to a sense of his state, and fears that he must soon sink under the just wrath of God, then he finds trouble and sorrow. But let all such call upon the Lord to deliver their souls, and they will find him gracious and true to his promise. Neither ignorance nor guilt will hinder their salvation, when they put their trust in the Lord. Let us all speak of God as we have found him; and have we ever found him otherwise than just and good? It is of his mercies that we are not consumed. Let those who labour and are heavy laden come to him, that they may find rest to their souls; and if at all drawn from their rest, let them haste to return, remembering how bountifully the Lord has dealt with them. We should deem ourselves bound to walk as in his presence. It is a great mercy to be kept from being swallowed up with over-much sorrow. It is a great mercy for God to hold us by the right hand, so that we are not overcome and overthrown by a temptation. But when we enter the heavenly rest, deliverance from sin and sorrow will be complete; we shall behold the glory of the Lord, and walk in his presence with delight we cannot now conceive.

Verses 10-19

When troubled, we do best to hold our peace, for we are apt to speak unadvisedly. Yet there may be true faith where there are workings of unbelief; but then faith will prevail; and being humbled for our distrust of God's word, we shall experience his faithfulness to it. What can the pardoned sinner, or what can those who have been delivered from trouble or distress, render to the Lord for his benefits? We cannot in any way profit him. Our best is unworthy of his acceptance; yet we ought to devote ourselves and all we have to his service. I will take the cup of salvation; I will offer the drink-offerings appointed by the law, in token of thankfulness to God, and rejoice in God's goodness to me. I will receive the cup of affliction; that cup, that bitter cup, which is sanctified to the saints, so that to them it is a cup of salvation; it is a means of spiritual health. The cup of consolation; I will receive the benefits God bestows upon me, as from his hand, and taste his love in them, as the portion not only of mine inheritance in the other world, but of my cup in this. Let others serve what masters they will, truly I am thy servant. Two ways men came to be servants. By birth. Lord, I was born in thy house; I am the son of thine handmaid, and therefore thine. It is a great mercy to be children of godly parents. By redemption. Lord, thou hast loosed my bonds, thou hast discharged me from them, therefore I am thy servant. The bonds thou hast loosed shall tie me faster unto thee. Doing good is sacrifice, with which God is well pleased; and this must accompany giving thanks to his name. Why should we offer that to the Lord which cost us nothing? The psalmist will pay his vows now; he will not delay the payment: publicly, not to make a boast, but to show he is not ashamed of God's service, and to invite others to join him. Such are true saints of God, in whose lives and deaths he will be glorified.

From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.