Bible Commentaries
Psalms 16

Verse 1

Title. Michtam. See App-65 .

of = relating to.

David. And therefore refers to David's Son, and David's Lord, as do all the Davidic Psalms.

Preserve. Compare Hebrews 5:7-9 .

put my trust = flee for refuge. Hebrew. hasah. App-69 .

Verse 2

thou hast said. Some codices, with two early printed editions, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "I said", in which case there is no Ellipsis, and "O my soul" should be omitted.

LORD*. One of the 134 places where the Sopherim changed Jehovah (of the primitive text) to Adonai ( App-32 ).

My goodness, &c. = I have no good beyond Thee.

Verse 3

But to = As for.

saints = holy (or separated) ones. See note on Exodus 3:5 .

in the earth = in His own Land.

to. Omit "to".

in whom = in them.

my: or, His: i.e. Jehovah ' s. So the Septuagint.

Verse 4

their names: i.e. the names of their gods.

Verse 5

portion. Note the four things: portion (Psalms 16:5 ); path, presence, pleasures (Psalms 16:11 ).

maintainest = wilt maintain.

lot. Put by Figure of speech Metonomy (of Cause), App-6 , for

Verse 6

lines. the land thus allotted by it.

Verse 7

reins. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6 , for thoughts.

instruct = will instruct.

Verse 8

I have set, &c. Quoted in Acts 2:25-28 ; Acts 13:35 .

not be moved. Compare Psalms 15:5 .

Verse 9

my heart = I myself, like "my soul". Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Part).

glory. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect), App-6 , for the powers of the mind which give the glory.

My flesh also shall rest. Refers to Messiah's death .

Verse 10

Thou wilt not leave, &c. Refers to the Resurrection.

my soul = me. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

hell = the grave. Hebrew Sheol. App-35 .

suffer = give, or allow.

Holy One, or Thy beloved: i.e. Christ the Messiah (Acts 2:27 ). See note on Psalms 52:9 .

see = experience, or know.

corruption. [decay] Showing that it is the body that is referred to.

Verse 11

the path of life. Refers to Ascension.

Thy right hand. Compare Psalms 16:8 , and see Structure above.