Psalms 116

PSALM 116

Psalms 116:1-19 . The writer celebrates the deliverance from extreme perils by which he was favored, and pledges grateful and pious public acknowledgments.

1, 2. A truly grateful love will be evinced by acts of worship, which calling on God expresses ( Psalms 116:13 , Psalms 55:16 , 86:7 ; compare Psalms 17:6 , 31:2 ).

3, 4. For similar figures for distress see Psalms 18:4 Psalms 18:5 .
gat hold upon me--Another sense ("found") of the same word follows, as we speak of disease finding us, and of our finding or catching disease.

5-8. The relief which he asked is the result not of his merit, but of God's known pity and tenderness, which is acknowledged in assuring himself (his "soul," Psalms 11:1 , 16:10 ) of rest and peace. All calamities ( Psalms 116:8 ) are represented by death, tears, and falling of the feet ( Psalms 56:13 ).

9. walk before the Lord--act, or live under His favor and guidance ( Genesis 17:1 , Psalms 61:7 ).
land of the living--( Psalms 27:13 ).

10, 11. Confidence in God opposed to distrust of men, as not reliable ( Psalms 68:8 Psalms 68:9 ). He speaks from an experience of the result of his faith.

11. in my haste--literally, "terror," or "agitation," produced by his affliction (compare Psalms 31:22 ).

12-14. These are modes of expressing acts of worship (compare Psalms 116:4 , Psalms 50:14 , Jonah 2:9 ).

13. the cup of salvation--the drink offering which was part of the thank offering ( Numbers 15:3-5 ).

14. now--(compare Psalms 115:2 ). "Oh, that (I may do it)" in the presence, &c.

15, 16. By the plea of being a homeborn servant, he intimates his claim on God's covenant love to His people.

17-19. An ampler declaration of his purpose, designating the place, the Lord's house, or earthly residence in Jerusalem.