Psalm 116 Study Notes
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116:8-11 Deliverance from death brought a resolve and transformation in the life of the psalmist, who promised to walk . . . in the land of the living (see 27:13; Jnh 2:6-7). Faith enabled him to prevail through adversity and his perception that everyone was out to deceive him.
116:12 The Hebrew word translated good comes from a root (gml) that means “payback,” here in the good sense of “reward” or “benefit” (see note at 103:1-2; cp. Pr 12:14; 19:17).
116:13-14 Giving someone a cup normally denoted forcing something negative on someone, such as “fury” and “staggering” (Is 51:17,22). Here the psalmist received salvation from God. Alternatively, it could refer to a libation or drink offering from the psalmist (Ex 29:40-41; Nm 15:5,7; see Mt 26:26-29; 1Co 10:16).
116:15-16 Those in service to the Lord who are threatened with death are valuable to God, and are thus saved (72:14; Is 43:4). Though they may not escape physical death, they will experience eternal life (Mt 10:29-31; Lk 21:16-18; Jn 10:28-29).
116:17-18 Compare these verses to Jnh 2:9.
116:19 The psalmist intended to fulfill his vow publicly in the temple precincts (see note at 22:22-24). In the LXX, Hallelujah! begins Ps 117 (see note at 104:35).