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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.

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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 (GNV)

Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)

Preserve Me, O God

1Michtam of Dauid. Preserue mee, O God: for in thee doe I trust. 2O my soule, thou hast sayd vnto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my weldoing extendeth not to thee, 3But to the Saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent: all my delite is in them. 4The sorowes of them, that offer to an other god, shall be multiplied: their offerings of blood will I not offer, neither make mention of their names with my lips. 5The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou shalt mainteine my lot. 6The lines are fallen vnto me in pleasant places: yea, I haue a faire heritage. 7I wil prayse the Lord, who hath giuen me counsell: my reines also teach me in the nightes. 8I haue set the Lord alwayes before me: for hee is at my right hand: therefore I shall not slide. 9Wherefore mine heart is glad and my tongue reioyceth: my flesh also doeth rest in hope. 10For thou wilt not leaue my soule in the graue: neither wilt thou suffer thine holy one to see corruption. 11Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is the fulnesse of ioy: and at thy right hand there are pleasures for euermore.

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