Psalms 116
Psalms 116 is part of “Book V: The Deuteronomy Book” (107–150) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 116 summary
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.
Read the full introduction
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.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in Psalms 116
Psalms 116 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
I Love the Lord
1I love Jehovah, because he heareth My voice and my supplications. 2Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, Therefore will I call [upon him] as long as I live. 3The cords of death compassed me, And the pains of Sheol gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. 4Then called I upon the name of Jehovah: O Jehovah, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. 5Gracious is Jehovah, and righteous; Yea, our God is merciful. 6Jehovah preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he saved me. 7Return unto thy rest, O my soul; For Jehovah hath dealt bountifully with thee. 8For thou hast delivered my soul from death, Mine eyes from tears, [And] my feet from falling. 9I will walk before Jehovah In the land of the living. 10I believe, for I will speak: I was greatly afflicted: 11I said in my haste, All men are liars. 12What shall I render unto Jehovah For all his benefits toward me? 13I will take the cup of salvation, And call upon the name of Jehovah. 14I will pay my vows unto Jehovah, Yea, in the presence of all his people. 15Precious in the sight of Jehovah Is the death of his saints. 16O Jehovah, truly I am thy servant: I am thy servant, the son of thy handmaid; Thou hast loosed my bonds. 17I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon the name of Jehovah. 18I will pay my vows unto Jehovah, Yea, in the presence of all his people, 19In the courts of Jehovah’s house, In the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye Jehovah.