Psalms 16:8. Before me— That is, he always had a regard to his Father's will, without swerving from it in any respect (See John 17:4.); and, consequently, was always assured of the assistance of God, and of the faithfulness of his promises. At my right hand, is a figurative expression, signifying the efficacious succour of God in favour of his people. See Psalms 73:23; Psalms 109:31; Psalms 109:31. read more
Psalms 16:9. My glory— That is, his tongue, as St. Peter explains it, Acts 2:26.; for the Hebrews give the tongue the name of glory, as Psalms 57:0 because it was bestowed upon us to glorify God; and because it is our glory, as being the instrument of expressing our thoughts by words. My flesh shall rest in hope, means, "My body shall rest in the grave; with an assurance that it shall soon come forth from thence by a happy resurrection." read more
Psalms 16:10. Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, &c.— In שׁאול Sheol, the place of departed souls. See the note on Psalms 9:17. Bishop Pearson on the Creed, and Peters on Job, p. 320. Thine Holy One, means "Him whom thou hast sanctified and consecrated to be the Messiah, (John 10:36. Isaiah 54:5.) and who hath exactly observed whatever in that quality thou hast committed to his charge." Thou wilt shew me the path of life, in the next verse, signifies, "Thou wilt raise me on the third day,... read more
PSALM 16 :-. Michtam, or, by the change of one letter, Michtab—a "writing," such as a poem or song (compare Isaiah 38:9). Such a change of the letter m for b was not unusual. The position of this word in connection with the author's name, being that usually occupied by some term, such as Psalm or song, denoting the style or matter of the composition, favors this view of its meaning, though we know not why this and Psalms 56-60 should be specially, called "a writing." "A golden (Psalm)," or... read more
1. Preserve me, &c.—keep or watch over my interests. in thee . . . I . . . trust—as one seeking shelter from pressing danger. read more
2. my soul—must be supplied; expressed in similar cases (Psalms 42:5; Psalms 42:11). my goodness . . . thee—This obscure passage is variously expounded. Either one of two expositions falls in with the context. "My goodness" or merit is not on account of Thee—that is, is not for Thy benefit. Then follows the contrast of Psalms 16:3 (but is), in respect, or for the saints, &c.—that is, it enures to them. Or, my goodness—or happiness is not besides Thee—that is, without Thee I have no other... read more
3. saints—or, persons consecrated to God, set apart from others to His service. in the earth—that is, land of Palestine, the residence of God's chosen people—figuratively for the Church. excellent—or, "nobles," distinguished for moral excellence. read more
4. He expresses his abhorrence of those who seek other sources of happiness or objects of worship, and, by characterizing their rites by drink offerings of blood, clearly denotes idolaters. The word for "sorrows" is by some rendered "idols"; but, though a similar word to that for idols, it is not the same. In selecting such a term, there may be an allusion, by the author, to the sorrows produced by idolatrous practices. read more
5-7. God is the chief good, and supplies all need (Deuteronomy 10:9). portion of mine inheritance and of my cup—may contain an allusion to the daily supply of food, and also to the inheritance of Levi (Deuteronomy 18:1; Deuteronomy 18:2). maintainest—or, drawest out my lot—enlargest it. Deuteronomy 18:2- : carries out this idea more fully. read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 16:7
Psalms 16:7. My reins also instruct me— By reins is meant the secret thoughts and inward reflections of the mind; in the same manner as the heart is often mentioned to express the hidden purposes and desires of the soul. See Psalms 7:10; Psalms 26:2.Jeremiah 12:2; Jeremiah 12:2.Revelation 2:23; Revelation 2:23. read more