Psalms 116

Ps 116 This hymn of thanksgiving rejoices in God’s character and in rescue from death (116:1-11). It gives an assurance of God’s protection in life and reminds the godly that the Lord watches over them even at death. The psalmist commits to living as God’s servant and resolves to honor him publicly (116:12-19).116:1-4 The psalmist praises the Lord for answering his prayers and rescuing him from death.116:1 I love the Lord: This unique opening expresses affection for and commitment to the Lord (see 18:1; Deut 6:5) on the basis of what the Lord has done.

116:2 Because the Lord responds to the cry of his people (107:41; 113:6-8), the psalmist now strongly believes in prayer.

116:3 It isn’t clear if the psalmist’s crisis was a literal near-death experience or if he was using the term figuratively.

116:4 This is the first of three times that the psalmist calls on the Lord’s name (i.e., reputation).

116:5-7 The gracious, righteous, and compassionate Lord (see 111:1-5) rescued and gave rest to the psalmist.

116:6 People with childlike faith readily receive his wisdom and instruction (19:7-11; Matt 18:3-4).

116:8-11 The psalmist’s near-death crisis made him more aware of life and of walking before the Lord. Though he had been in anguish, the Lord was faithful. However, people are all liars.

116:9 I walk in the Lord’s presence: The psalmist already lived with integrity, but since his experience of deep distress, he now enjoys open fellowship with the Lord (see 56:13; cp. Job 42:5).

116:10 I believed in you: Paul quotes this phrase in 2 Cor 4:13.

116:12-14 The Lord’s gracious gifts are so great that the psalmist can do nothing to repay his debt. Keeping his promises publicly demonstrates his gratitude. • All he has done for the psalmist includes answers to prayer, rescue, and life. • The cup of salvation overflows with God’s blessings (23:5), unlike the cup of judgment (75:8). • The psalmist makes promises (“vows,” 116:18) to praise the Lord publicly (116:17-18).

116:15-19 No one lives or dies outside of God’s will. Having been given a second chance at life, the poet readily commits himself to the Lord with renewed acts of public devotion.