Psalm 116
Psalm 116 is a personal thanksgiving psalm, expressing gratitude to God for deliverance from trouble and death. The psalmist reflects on God’s mercy, faithfulness, and goodness, promising to continue trusting Him and to fulfill vows made in response to His help. It is a song of love toward God, acknowledging His care and salvation in times of distress.
Psalm 116:1-10 (NKJV)
1 I love the Lord, because He has heard
My voice and my supplications.
2 Because He has inclined His ear to me,
Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.
3 The pains of death surrounded me,
And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me;
I found trouble and sorrow.
4 Then I called upon the name of the Lord:
“O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!”
5 Gracious is the Lord, 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, O 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 spoke,
“I am greatly afflicted.”
The psalmist expresses love for God because He hears and responds to prayers. Despite being overwhelmed by the threat of death and deep sorrow, the psalmist cried out to the Lord, who graciously delivered him. God's righteousness and mercy are celebrated, especially His faithfulness to those who are vulnerable. The psalmist urges his soul to rest, knowing that God’s blessings have restored him. With newfound gratitude, he pledges to walk in God’s presence. Trust in God remains unwavering, even when facing severe affliction, as the psalmist’s faith drives him to speak boldly of his experience.
Psalm 116:11-19 (NKJV)
11 I said in my haste,
“All men are liars.”
12 What shall I render to the Lord
For all His benefits toward me?
13 I will take up the cup of salvation,
And call upon the name of the Lord.
14 I will pay my vows to the Lord
Now in the presence of all His people.
15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
Is the death of His saints.
16 O Lord, truly I am Your servant;
I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant;
You have loosed my bonds.
17 I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
And will call upon the name of the Lord.
18 I will pay my vows to the Lord
Now in the presence of all His people,
19 In the courts of the Lord’s house,
In the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!
The psalmist acknowledges that in moments of despair, he was quick to mistrust others, realizing human frailty. Grateful for God’s many blessings, he contemplates how to respond. He resolves to lift up the “cup of salvation,” symbolizing acceptance of God’s deliverance, and to call on His name in gratitude. Recognizing the value God places on His people, even in their death, the psalmist pledges to serve the Lord faithfully. He will express his thanksgiving publicly by fulfilling his vows in the temple courts, joining with the community in worship. His final words, “Praise the Lord,” reflect a heart overwhelmed with worship and gratitude.