In contrast to these godly saints are those who trade worship of the true God for what they think they will gain from following other gods (i.e., apostates). However, they only receive multiplied sorrows. David refused to join them in worshipping false gods, or even mentioning them, because he found what they were doing so distasteful. read more
David spoke with satisfaction of the Lord as something that someone had given him. He compared God to a valuable inheritance passed on to him by his ancestors, and to wine in a cup that brings great joy and satisfaction to the one who drinks it. He also gave God credit for supporting him in his lot in life. The lines marking the boundaries of David’s inheritance (i.e., God’s will) had turned out to be good lines since they prescribed a great inheritance. Compared to a piece of real estate such... read more
The Ps. is the confident and joyous prayer of one whose highest satisfaction is in God and in good men (Psalms 16:2-3), who renounces all the ways of idolatry (Psalms 16:4), and who finds in God not only ample wealth and happiness for the present (Psalms 16:5-7), but also a continuous prospect of the truest life (Psalms 16:8-11). The Ps. is quoted in Acts 2:25; Acts 13:35 as a prophecy of the Resurrection of Christ. While this is not its primary reference, and while the language does not... read more
(2) Thou hast said.—The text of this passage is exceedingly corrupt. This appears (1) from the actual existence of various readings, (2) by the variations in the ancient versions, both from the Hebrew and each other. It will be best to take Psalms 16:2-3 together first. The consensus of the ancient versions in favour of the first person, “I said,” instead of “thou hast said” (the italicised words O my soul, are a mere gloss from the Chaldee), gives for Psalms 16:2 the plain and intelligible... read more
(4) Their sorrows.—This verse offers also great variation in the ancient versions. The literal text runs Their sorrows [or, idols] (fem.) are multiplied (masc); another they hasten [or, change]. I will not pour out their libations from blood, and will not take their names upon my lips, which, with one or two slight changes in the punctuation, becomes—“They shall multiply their sorrowsWho change to another god:I will not pour out their bloody libations,Nor take their names on my lips.”At the... read more
(5) The portion.—There is allusion here to the Levitical portion (Numbers 18:20): “I am thy portion and thine inheritance.” The poet, whom we must imagine exiled from his actual inheritance in Canaan, consoles, and more than consoles himself, with the sublime thought that this “better part” could not be taken away from him. Perowne quotes Savonarola’s fine saying, “What must not he possess who possesses the possessor of all!” and St. Paul’s, “All things are yours; for ye are Christ’s, and... read more
(6) The lines are fallen unto me.—The allusion is to the “measuring cords” by which allotments of land were measured, and they are said to “fall” possibly because after the measurement the portions were distributed by “lot” (Joshua 17:5; Micah 2:5). read more
Assurance in God Psalms 16:0 The Psalmist lived in a period when belief in the reality of many gods was still strong, and when a man who would follow the one true God had to prefer to do so against the attractions of other deities, and against the convictions of a great number of his fellow-countrymen that these deities were living and powerful. I. It is remarkable how, when a man really turns to God, he turns to God's people as well, and how he includes them in the loyalty and in the devotion... read more
Psalms 16:1-11THE progress of thought in this psalm is striking. The singer is first a bold confessor in the face of idolatry and apostasy (Psalms 16:1-4). Then the inward sweetness of his faith fills his soul, as is ever the reward of brave avowal, and he buries himself, bee-like, in the pure delights of communion with Jehovah (Psalms 16:5-8). Finally, on the ground of such experience, he rises to the assurance that "its very sweetness yieldeth proof" that he and it are born for undying life... read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 16:3
An evidence of David’s confidence in the Lord was his choice to keep company with others who trusted in and walked with God. He respected them because they shared the majestic quality of their God. read more