Bible Commentaries
Psalms 116

Verses 1-19

Psalms 115-118 were probably the hymns sung by our Lord and His disciples. Some modern scholars, however, deny this, on the ground that, in Christ’s time, the Hallel was only in its beginning, and consisted simply of Psalms 113, or, at moat, also of Psalms 114 : see Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26. Psalms 116 is apparently a song of thanksgiving after severe illness, but the Ps. has been used by both churches and individuals in spiritual as well as temporal deliverances. The Psalmist’s experiences pass through various stages, vk. suffering (Psalms 116:3), prayer (Psalms 116:4-5), deliverance (Psalms 116:6-9), thanksgiving in public (Psalms 116:12-19). At Psalms 116:10 LXX begins a new Ps.

3. Hell] RM ’the grave.’ He was at the gates of death.

9. His life will be preserved.

10, 11. The sense is most obscure. Two meanings are proposed: (a) I believed even when I spoke, saying, I am greatly afflicted, even when I said in my haste, All men are liars; (b) I believe (for I will speak) that I was greatly afflicted. In my alarm I said, All men are liars.

13. The Psalmist intends to offer a sacrifice, and already anticipates the feast which follows when he would solemnly raise the cup to Jehovah in gratitude for deliverance; hence he calls it the cup of salvation.

15. Precious] i.e. of such consequence to God that He will require penalties for it.