Bible Commentaries
Psalms 16

Verses 1-11

Psalms 15:1-5 ; Psalms 16:1-11

The first of these psalms was probably composed to celebrate the bringing of the Ark to Mount Zion, 1 Samuel 6:20 . It describes the character of those who have fellowship with God and dwell in His house all the days of their earthly lot. To the challenge of the soloist, Psalms 15:1 , the choir makes response, Psalms 15:2-5 , first positively, then negatively. We must act as non-conductors to evil; must mind what company we keep; and must cultivate a spirit of love and self-sacrifice which will never take advantage of others, Psalms 15:5 . Here is the secret of permanence and peace.

Michtam means “golden,” and may be truly applied to the next psalm, as also to Psalms 56:1-13 ; Psalms 57:1-11 ; Psalms 58:1-11 ; Psalms 59:1-17 ; Psalms 60:1-12 . Others explain the word as a “secret.” It is the song of the golden secret. The key is furnished in Acts 2:25 . The Apostle Paul expressly emphasizes the divine authorship in Acts 13:35-38 . Our Lord may have repeated Psalms 16:8-11 when He was descending the dark valley, and so may we.