Psalms 116:5

5 1Gracious is the LORD, and 2righteous; our God is 3merciful.

Psalms 116:5 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 116:5

Gracious is the Lord
So the psalmist found him, calling upon him; so he is in Christ, the author and giver of all grace, to help in time of need.

And righteous;
faithful to his promises, just in every dispensation of his providence, even in afflictive ones; righteous in punishing the enemies of his people, and in saving, justifying, and pardoning them for Christ's sake.

Yea, our God is merciful;
compassionate, tenderhearted, a heart full of pity, as a father to his child; and sympathizes with his people under all their afflictions, and saves them out of them; see ( Psalms 86:5 Psalms 86:15 ) .

Psalms 116:5 In-Context

3 The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!"
5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful.
6 The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

Cross References 3

  • 1. See Psalms 86:15
  • 2. Psalms 7:9; Psalms 119:137; Psalms 145:17; Ezra 9:15; Nehemiah 9:8; Jeremiah 12:1; Daniel 9:7
  • 3. See Psalms 62:12
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.