Bible Commentaries
Psalms 116

Verses 1-19

CXVI. A Song of Comfort in Affliction.— There is nothing to justify the division into two Pss. ( a) Psalms 116:1-9, ( b) Psalms 116:10-19 (LXX); the same theme in its double aspect is continued throughout.

Psalms 116:2 b. Read, “ and I will call on the name of Yahweh.”

Psalms 116:3 . Cf. Psalms 18:4 f.

Psalms 116:6 . simple: in a good sense: contrast Proverbs 1:4, etc.

Psalms 116:10 a. Read, “ I believed: therefore have I spoken” (LXX, cf. 2 Corinthians 4:13).

Psalms 116:11 . Translate ( cf. LXX), “ I said in my alarm ( mg.) , all men are a deceit.” They do not tell lies, but there is no trusting them: they lack the power of help.

Psalms 116:13 . The cup of salvation,” i.e. the cup poured out in thanksgiving for deliverance vouchsafed. No such rite is mentioned in the OT, but on the pillar of Yehavmilk, king of Gebal, the king is represented as pouring out wine before the goddess (after victory).

Psalms 116:15 . The sense is that Yahweh will not easily suffer His saints (see on Psalms 4) to perish; the cost of their death is too great. In other words the godly need Yahweh’ s help: He needs their service.