Psalms 16
Psalms 16 is part of “Book I: The Genesis Book” (1–41) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 16 summary
This psalm has something of David in it, but much more of Christ. It begins with such expressions of devotion as may be applied to Christ; but concludes with such confidence of a resurrection (and so timely a one as to prevent corruption) as must be applied to Christ, to him only, and cannot be understood of David, as both St. Peter and St. Paul have observed, Act 2:24; Act 13:36. For David died, and was buried, and saw corruption. I.
Read the full introduction
This psalm has something of David in it, but much more of Christ. It begins with such expressions of devotion as may be applied to Christ; but concludes with such confidence of a resurrection (and so timely a one as to prevent corruption) as must be applied to Christ, to him only, and cannot be understood of David, as both St. Peter and St. Paul have observed, Act 2:24; Act 13:36. For David died, and was buried, and saw corruption. I. David speaks of himself as a member of Christ, and so he speaks the language of all good Christians, professing his confidence in God (Psa 16:1), his consent to him (Psa 16:2), his affection to the people of God (Psa 16:3), his adherence to the true worship of God (Psa 16:4), and his entire complacency and satisfaction in God and the interest he had in him (Psa 16:5-7). II. He speaks of himself as a type of Christ, and so he speaks the language of Christ himself, to whom all the rest of the psalm is expressly and at large applied (Act 2:25, etc.). David speaks concerning him (not concerning himself), "I foresaw the Lord always before my face," etc. And this he spoke, being a prophet (v. 30, 31). He spoke, 1. Of the special presence of God with the Redeemer in his services and sufferings (Psa 16:8). 2. Of the prospect which the Redeemer had of his own resurrection and the glory that should follow, which carried him cheerfully through his undertaking (Psa 16:9-11). Michtam of David.
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 16
Psalms 16 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
Preserve Me, O God
1Michtam of David. Preserve me, O God; for in thee do I take refuge. 2[O my soul], thou hast said unto Jehovah, Thou art my Lord: I have no good beyond thee. 3As for the saints that are in the earth, They are the excellent in whom is all my delight. 4Their sorrows shall be multiplied that give gifts for another [god]: Their drink-offerings of blood will I not offer, Nor take their names upon my lips. 5Jehovah is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot. 6The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; Yea, I have a goodly heritage. 7I will bless Jehovah, who hath given me counsel; Yea, my heart instructeth me in the night seasons. 8I have set Jehovah always before me: Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: My flesh also shall dwell in safety. 10For thou wilt not leave my soul to Sheol; Neither wilt thou suffer thy holy one to see corruption. 11Thou wilt show me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; In thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.