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 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
I Love the Lord
1I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voyce and my prayers. 2For he hath inclined his eare vnto me, whe I did call vpon him in my dayes. 3When the snares of death copassed me, and the griefes of the graue caught me: when I founde trouble and sorowe. 4Then I called vpon the Name of the Lord, saying, I beseech thee, O Lord, deliuer my soule. 5The Lord is mercifull and righteous, and our God is full of compassion. 6The Lord preserueth the simple: I was in miserie and he saued me. 7Returne vnto thy rest, O my soule: for the Lord hath bene beneficiall vnto thee, 8Because thou hast deliuered my soule from death, mine eyes from teares, and my feete from falling. 9I shall walke before the Lord in the lande of the liuing. 10I beleeued, therefore did I speake: for I was sore troubled. 11I said in my feare, All men are lyers. 12What shall I render vnto the Lord for all his benefites toward me? 13I will take the cup of saluation, and call vpon the Name of the Lord. 14I will pay my vowes vnto the Lord, euen nowe in the presence of all his people. 15Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saintes. 16Beholde, Lord: for I am thy seruant, I am thy seruant, and the sonne of thine handmaide: thou hast broken my bondes. 17I will offer to thee a sacrifice of prayse, and will call vpon the Name of the Lord. 18I will pay my vowes vnto the Lord, euen nowe in the presence of all his people, 19In the courtes of ye Lords house, euen in the middes of thee, O Ierusalem. Praise ye the Lord.