Psalm 16/Commentary

Psalm 16 “All my Delight”

“The theme of having one’s affections centered on God gives this psalm its unity and ardor” (Kidner p. 83). This psalm also predicts the resurrection of the Messiah (16:10). Peter quoted verses 8-10 by inspiration and applied them to the resurrection of Jesus Christ in Acts 2:25-28, and Paul quoted verse 10 in Acts 13:35-37. “If ever there was a clear Old Testament prophecy of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ….It makes Psalm 16 the third specifically messianic psalm in the Psalter, after Psalm 2 and Psalm 8” (Boice p. 130). This psalm rings with hope. God will preserve the psalmist (1). God is his goodness (2). God is his inheritance (5-6). God is always before him (8). God gives hope (9). God is not the God of death (10), but of life (11).

Faithful Servant 16:1 “Almost every verse in this half of the psalm speaks of some aspect of single-mindedness: i.e., of throwing in one’s lot with God in the realm of one’s security (1), welfare (2), associates (3), worship (4) and ambitions (5) “(Kidner p.

83).

Point To Note: I really like this idea that God is our refuge. God will keep David because he finds his shelter and security in Him. Is God our refuge? What or to whom do we flee when life gets confusing, difficult, disappointing, boring, or scary? Is our place of comfort and safety God, or some sinful addiction? “The psalmist has taken refuge in the Lord and now prays Him to help him stay in that close communion with his God and not slip from it. Quite appropriately he calls God ‘el in the Hebrew, which means ‘the strong One’” (Leupold p. 148).

Unfortunately, in a wealthy society we are tempted to think that we don’t need God to be our refuge, that our possessions, resources, and skills will protect us just fine. (Hebrews 6:18; Psalm 11).

16:2 “The unique feature about this psalm is the fact that the writer has taken this step with deep and thoroughgoing conviction. He really made the Lord his refuge. He drew as close to Him as he could” (Leupold p. 148). God simply isn’t the God of his fathers, David had claimed the Lord as his own Lord. “The designation ‘my Lord’ reveals the psalmists submission to Him as ‘Master’ and ‘Ruler’, over against those who run after other gods (4)” (Gaebelein p. 154).

16:2 “I have no good besides Thee”: Wow, what a statement of faith!

Points To Note:

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1. “In other words, ‘Thou art my highest treasure’. Nothing can ever mean anything to me as you do. This is the attitude from which he prays to God that he may never be shaken” (Leupold p. 148). 2. God is the reason for David’s existence and joy. Compare with Psalm 73:25 “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you (26)”. 3.

David realizes that God is the source of every good thing that he has ever enjoyed (James 1:17). “It means that, having come to know God as our refuge, redeemer, and Lord, nothing hereafter can ever mean as much to us as God does” (Boice p. 132). 4. Williams notes that the word “good/goodness” can mean “completeness”. That is, God supplies all his needs and that supply is perfect and fulfilling. 5. Also note the following passages, Psalm 34:10; 23:6; 84:11. 6. David didn’t view himself as deprived, even when Saul was chasing him and he was on the run. If I have God, then I have everything that I really need (Matthew 16:25). But how often are even Christians tempted to think that somehow an additional material blessing could bring even greater fullness and contentment into their lives?

16:3 Even in the Old Testament, the faithful are called “saints”, i.e., holy ones (Exodus 19:6). David is drawn to men and women of holiness and nobility.

16:3 “They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight”: We need to learn something from David, for how often do we glorify secular heroes rather than those who are manifesting faith and purity? “We ought, therefore, to highly value and esteem the true and devoted servants of God, and to regard nothing as of greater importance than to connect ourselves with their society; and this we will actually do if we wisely reflect in what true excellence and dignity consist, and do not allow the vain splendor of the world and its deceitful pomps to dazzle our eyes” (Gaebelein pp. 154-155).

Points To Note: 1. Do we admire and hold up as role models godly people (Hebrews 13:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-12)? Or, do we try to find something wrong with them so that we don’t feel so bad about our own apathy or inconsistency? 2. Are we drawn to righteous men and women or are we drawn to those who are worldly? 3. “Those who love the Lord will love the company of those who also love him. Those who find their ‘good’ in God will also find good in those who likewise seek him. Again, do you find it uncomfortable to be with those who sin openly? Are you troubled by their values, shocked by their desires, repulsed by their blasphemies? Or are you at ease among them?” (Boice p.

132). 4. Next time you hear someone bad-mouthing the church, Christians or the elders, point them to this verse. Speaking highly of and praising faithful members is not a sign of being self-righteous, for David did this often!

Sadly, some seem to think that being spiritual is equated with finding fault with the faithful, or in trying to argue that there is really no difference between Christians and non-Christians. David saw a big difference between the faithful and the unfaithful.

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16:4 “Those who have bartered for another god”: The word translated “bartered” can also mean, “hasten”, “exchange”, while some have tentatively considered, “acquire as a bribe”, since “bribe-price” has the same consonants.

“As much as David delights in the fellowship of the one group so much he utterly detests association with the other…For by departing from the living God—this is implied in ‘woo another god’—such persons create for themselves painful and distressing situations” (Leupold p. 149).

Point To Note: Are we tempted to “barter” for other gods? Do we attempt to blackmail God, i.e., “God if you don’t come through for me soon”, “If I don’t get this need met”, then I will take my loyalty down the street? If God isn’t cooperating with our plans and timing are we tempted to trade Him in? Does our devotion have a price? Are we willing to sell our soul to the person or thing which promises the most fun at the moment? (Hebrews 11:25) We need to be thankful that God doesn’t give us up as quickly as we are tempted to depart from Him.

Who Has Sorrows?

David clearly knew that unfaithfulness doesn’t bring happiness. But how often does our world argue that if people will just get rid of this idea of a God, to whom all must answer, that the sooner they will find real happiness? Look closely at the quality of life found outside of Christ (Titus 3:3; 2 Timothy 3:2-4; Romans 1:28-32). What did Eve receive when she departed from God, “multiplied sorrows!” (Genesis 3:16) 16:4 At the end of this verse, David makes it very clear that he will not endorse the actions of the unfaithful, or help them worship their idols. In fact, he won’t even mention the names of their gods. David didn’t believe in “unity in diversity”, or that such men were just worshipping the same God, but under a different name. Modern change-agents among liberal churches of Christ would condemn David for his exclusiveness. David wouldn’t have been moved by the following arguments: “How can we condemn the pagan world, seeing that there are so many god-fearing and sincere idol-worshippers?” “In fact, many idolworshipping men and women are of greater faith and conviction then many of our Hebrew brethren?”

16:5 The Lord was David’s inheritance (portion) (Psalm 73:26; 119:57; 142:5).

“The Lord was all he needed to satisfy his heart in life” (Bible Knowledge Comm. p. 804). What a wonderful concept! David wasn’t caught up in the pursuit for material things or worldly accomplishments, because he already had his prize, i.e., the Lord! Everything else that might come his way in life was just icing on the cake. Do we have to have many “things” to make our lives happy and meaningful? Or, do we realize that as a Christian we already have the greatest

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treasure that anyone could hope for? Christian, do you need more things to convince you that you are indeed blessed?

16:5 The phrase, “and my cup”, is probably the same idea as “daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). That is, David was convinced that God met all his true needs and that a relationship with God, far from being stifling, is actually refreshing.

God is refreshing to the weary soul! (Matthew 11:28-30) 16:5 The expression, “my lot”, is one’s portion in life. “With the Lord defending him, he is not going to be uprooted or cast out” (Boice p. 133).

16:6 The concept of this verse is taken from the allotment of the land of Canaan to the Twelve Tribes in the days of Joshua. “Whereas each man had hoped for a choice and roomy portion for himself so that he would have ample space for house and home and tillable acreage” (Leupold pp. 149-150).

Points To Note: 1. “Isn’t it interesting that the psalmist is content with what God has meted out to him, especially since so many people are discontent? Discontent is one of the most striking characteristics of our time” (Boice p. 133). How many people in our society (in our affluent and comfortable society) are still trying to find themselves, happiness, fulfillment, meaning and purpose? 2. Note, David is convinced that his “portion” in life has been pleasant (even when Saul was chasing him). “The Lord had given him a wonderfully full life” (Bible Knowledge Comm. p. 804). 3. Christian, do you see yourself as having a wonderful and full life? (Philippians 4:10-13). 4. What a contrast from the society in which we live. How many people are desperately trying to convince themselves that somehow or somewhere they have been shortchanged or deprived (my parents deprived me, my mate has deprived me, etc…,), so as to justify some form of sinful behavior?

The Faithful Lord 16:7 “Some of the particular blessings of the ‘goodly heritage’, which is God Himself, now come into focus. To have Him is to enjoy not only guidance (7) and stability (8), but resurrection (9) and endless bliss (11)” (Kidner p. 85). Note, this counsel from God is available to every person, for it is found in the word of God (Psalm 19:7ff; Psalm 119:97-105; Hebrews 4:12-13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

“David needed counsel; his official decisions affected thousands of his subjects.

He needed counsel he could trust. So do we! Our decisions may not affect as many people as David’s did, but they affect the one person who matters most to us, namely ourselves” (Boice p. 133). In addition, what about our spouse and children?

Point To Note:

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Many people talk about having a personal relationship with the Lord. Well, saying that “the Lord is my Lord” (16:2), involves rejecting worldly counsel and listening to His will on the matter. If I really do have a personal relationship with Jesus, then I will listen to His will and obey His commandments (John 14:15).

16:7 “There is nothing facile (easy) in the divine guidance depicted here: on God’s side it is counsel rather than coercion, and on man’s side the kind of heart-searching that may drive away sleep. Psalm 127:2 deplores this restlessness when it is mere worry, but the word instructs here has a purposeful firmness---as of schooling one to face hard facts” (Kidner p. 85). Note, David’s mind instructs him at night, because during the day he has been in the Word. At night, David meditates and mentally chews on Scripture—and finds the answers that he needs. Sadly, some claim that the Bible doesn’t have the answers that we need and that relying upon the Scriptures for guidance is a naïve practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3).

16:8 Note the freewill, “I have set”. “It is as though by a conscious effort of the will he tried to make real to his thinking that which was a reality above all realities, namely, the fact that God is always present with His own” (Leupold p.

150). In New Testament language, David had put his treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20) and had set his mind on things above (Colossians 3:1-2).

David had consciously chosen to place God before him, to set his heart and mind on Lord, to love the Lord will all his heart—this was his choice!

16:8 As a result, God would be at his right hand. “Suggests, as it does to us, a person who will stand by one; more specifically this help might be in court or in battle” (Kidner p. 85). Compare with 2 Timothy 2:11-12.

16:8 Far from teaching once saved, always saved, David knew that he wouldn’t be moved—because he had determined to remain faithful. Eternal security is conditional! “I shall not be moved” (1 Corinthians 15:58; Colossians 1:23), is the idea that with such trust in God, nothing could ever convince him that God doesn’t love him (Romans 8:35-39). The word “shaken” infers that the believer will encounter trials and tribulations, and that there are people who will lose their faith. Life can be tough, and the hardships of living in a world cursed by sin will make some people bitter, cynical, selfish, callous and defiant.

Point To Note: Since this Psalm refers not only to David, but to Jesus, especially as Jesus faced death. The words, “I will not be shaken” must mean that as David wasn’t shaken from his faith in God, even in the face of death, neither was the Messiah.

Hence the expression from the cross, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Matthew 26:46), cannot be viewed as a lack of faith on the part of Jesus.

Jesus wasn’t shaken, even in the face of death.

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16:9 “The ground for the psalmist’s joy is twofold. First, his God is the sovereign Master to whom he has fled for protection (1-2). Second, the Lord has been good to him (2, 5-8). He has not been disappointed in having sought him as the ground of his being. His conclusion to this psalm of confidence begins with ‘therefore’” (Gaebelein p. 158). Note, ever since David has placed all his confidence in God, has heart has been glad. Serving God has been a pleasure!

“And if in Hebrew conception the heart is the center of one’s thinking, then this is the equivalent of saying: Glad thoughts have been coursing through my mind” (Leupold p. 151). David is convinced that he has made the right choice! Are we convinced that serving God and denying sinful things is the right choice? Or, do we have regrets?

16:9 The expression “my glory” is intriguing. The New Testament translates this as, “my tongue exulted” (Acts 2:26). Some see this as a reference to the soul, which is what gives us glory (Genesis 1:26). David’s entire inner being rejoiced in his relationship with God. 16:9-10 Peter makes it clear that David wasn’t speaking of his own resurrection in these verses (Acts 2:29-31), even though the Holy Spirit has him speaking in the first person. David was clearly looking ahead and speaking of the resurrection of Jesus. For David’s flesh did undergo decay in the tomb, and he was left in Sheol (Hades).

Point To Note: While Jesus’ body was quickly delivered from Hades and His flesh never experienced decay, one day all the faithful will experience a like event. We will find ourselves clothed with a body which cannot experience corruption, and will be in the immediate presence of God. What happened to Jesus in a very short period of time, will eventually happen to all believers (1 Corinthians 15; Philippians 3:21; Revelation 21:1ff). Yes, our bodies will decay in the tomb, but one day that process will be entirely reversed and eliminated. Yes, we will find ourselves in Hades when we die (which is a very good place-Luke 16:19ff), but eventually we will be face to face with God. 16:11 What a wonderful description of heaven! Since Jesus ascended to heaven after the events in 16:10, verse 11 then must be a description of the quality of life that exists in the very presence of the Father. Far from being stiff, boring, cold, or antiseptic, heaven is described as being filled with joy (Luke 15:7,10), and eternal pleasures! The wonder and awe of heaven will never fade!

(1 Peter 1:4). “The refugee of verse 1 finds himself an heir, and his inheritance beyond all imagining and all exploring” (Kidner p. 86).

Points To Note:

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1. Heaven will never become usual, typical or boring. Its wonder will never fade. “The pleasures are presented as wholly satisfying (this is the force of fullness, from the same root as ‘satisfied’ in 17:15) and endlessly varied” (Kidner p. 86). “To the full joy of thy presence, to the bliss of being close to Thee forever” (Mof); “at thy right hand are delights that will endure for ever” (Knox); “unbounded joy in your presence” (Jerus). 2. Be sad for the atheist, who thinks that removing God and life after this life is the key to happiness---look at what he will miss! “Whereas some individuals see only death in prospect after life’s candle is snuffed out, this man sees life” (Leupold p. 152). 3. So why should any Christian fear death?

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