PSALM 116
. The writer celebrates the deliverance from extreme
perils by which he was favored, and pledges grateful and pious public
acknowledgments.
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; Psalms 16:10)
of rest and peace. All calamities [Psalms 16:10] are represented by death, tears, and falling of
the feet (Psalms 56:13).
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).
13. the cup of salvation—the
drink offering which was part of the thank offering ().
14. now—(compare ). "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.
PSALM 116
. 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; Psalms 86:7; compare Psalms 17:6; Psalms 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; Psalms 16:10) of rest and peace. All calamities [Psalms 16:10] 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 61:7).
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 ().
14. now—(compare ). "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.