Psalm 116 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

116:1-2

Psalm 116:1-19. The writer celebrates the deliverance from extreme perils by which he was favored, and pledges grateful and pious public acknowledgments.

A truly grateful love will be evinced by acts of worship, which calling on God expresses (Psalm 116:13; Psalm 55:16; Psalm 86:7; compare Psalm 17:6; Psalm 31:2).

116:3-4

For similar figures for distress see Psalm 18:4, Psalm 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.

116:5-8

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,” Psalm 11:1; Psalm 16:10) of rest and peace. All calamities [Psalm 116:8 ] are represented by death, tears, and falling of the feet (Psalm 56:13).

116:9

walk before the Lord — act, or live under His favor and guidance (Genesis 17:1; Psalm 61:7).

land of the living — (Psalm 27:13).

116:10-11

Confidence in God opposed to distrust of men, as not reliable (Psalm 68:8, Psalm 68:9). He speaks from an experience of the result of his faith.

116:11

in my haste — literally, “terror,” or “agitation,” produced by his affliction (compare Psalm 31:22).

116:12-14

These are modes of expressing acts of worship (compare Psalm 116:4; Psalm 50:14; Jonah 2:9).

116:13

the cup of salvation — the drink offering which was part of the thank offering (Numbers 15:3-5).

116:14

now — (compare Psalm 115:2). “Oh, that (I may do it)” in the presence, etc.

116:15-16

By the plea of being a homeborn servant, he intimates his claim on God‘s covenant love to His people.

116:17-19

An ampler declaration of his purpose, designating the place, the Lord‘s house, or earthly residence in Jerusalem.