Psalms 118:17

17 I 1will not die, but live, And 2tell of the works of the LORD.

Psalms 118:17 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 118:17

I shall not die, but live
Not that he should never die, David knew he should; but that his present afflictions would not issue in death; or he should not die by the hands of his enemies, he sometimes feared he should; but now believed he should live, as he did, to a good old age: he knew he should live spiritually and eternally, and not die a second death; and so may all true believers and members of Christ say. Yea, these words may be considered as the words of Christ; who, though he came into the world to die, and did die for the sins of his people; yet he knew he should not die before his time, nor should he continue long under the power of death; but should live again, and live for evermore, and not die; death should have no more dominion over him; see ( Psalms 16:10 ) ( Romans 6:9 ) ;

and declare the works of the Lord;
the wonderful appearances of God in a providential way, and all his marvellous works of grace; as David did, and as all the people of God more or less do; and which is the end of their living; not to eat and drink, and gratify their carnal senses, but to glorify God, by declaring what he has done for themselves and others. So the Messiah declared the name of God, his nature, perfections, mind and will, word and works, among his brethren in the great congregation, ( Psalms 22:22 ) .

Psalms 118:17 In-Context

15 The sound of joyful shouting and salvation is in the tents of the righteous; The right hand of the LORD does valiantly.
16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted; The right hand of the LORD does valiantly.
17 I will not die, but live, And tell of the works of the LORD .
18 The LORD has disciplined me severely, But He has not given me over to death.
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness; I shall enter through them, I shall give thanks to the LORD .

Cross References 2

  • 1. Psalms 6:5; Psalms 116:8, 9; Habakkuk 1:12
  • 2. Psalms 73:28; Psalms 107:22

Footnotes 1

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