Psalm 116:12

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 116:10-19

The Septuagint and some other ancient versions make these verses a distinct psalm separate from the former; and some have called it the Martyr's psalm, I suppose for the sake of Ps. 116:15. Three things David here makes confession of:? I. His faith (Ps. 116:10): I believed, therefore have I spoken. This is quoted by the apostle (2 Cor. 4:13) with application to himself and his fellow-ministers, who, though they suffered for Christ, were not ashamed to own him. David believed the being,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 116:12

What shall I render unto the Lord ?.... He considers the Lord only as the author and giver of his mercies, and has nothing to say of his own merits, nor of other persons, who might be instruments of good to him; but is for giving all the glory to God: not as though he could render anything proportional or equivalent to what he had received, but as having a grateful sense of mercies, and willing, to express it; though at a loss, in a great measure, in what manner to do it, and therefore puts... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 116:12

What shall I render - אשיב מה mah ashib , "What shall I return?" For his benefits - תגמולוהי tagmulohi , "His retributions," the returns he had made to my prayers and faith. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 116:12

Verse 12 12.What shall I render unto Jehovah? He now exclaims with devout admiration, that the multitude of God’s benefits was greater than he could find language to give expression to the grateful emotions of his heart. The question is emphatic, What shall I render? and imports, that it was not the desire, but the means, of which he was destitute, to enable him to render thanks to God. Acknowledging his inability, he adopts the only means in his power, by extolling the grace of God as highly... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 116:1-19

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 116:1-19

Danger and deliverance. It is probable that the danger to which the psalmist was exposed was due to a very serious illness, threatening to end in death. It is certain that this is the most common danger we have to confront now. We look, therefore, at— I. A RECURRING EVIL IN OUR MORTAL LIFE — SICKNESS . With so complicated a structure as the human frame, and so intricate a system as that which has to be kept in working order, if we are to be in perfect health, it is no... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 116:12

What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me ? Natural piety suggests a return for favors received. What shall this be? the psalmist asks, and then proceeds to give the answer. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 116:12

The inquiry of the grateful heart. Many are the blessed spirits that worship God—penitence, faith, reverence, hope, and others. But none are more acceptable than the spirit of gratitude. It is that spirit which speaks here in our text. The following verses contain the answer which the same spirit gives. The inquiry before us implies remembrance of— I. THE BENEFITS WHICH THE LORD HATH CONFERRED UPON US . 1. It is difficult because of their number, character,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 116:12-19

The psalm closes with a thanksgiving for the deliverance vouchsafed. What return can the psalmist make? First, he will accept the blessing joyfully; next, he will ever continue to call upon God ( Psalms 116:13 ; comp. Psalms 116:4 , Psalms 116:17 ); thirdly, he will pay his vows openly in the temple, in the presence of the whole congregation ( Psalms 116:14 , Psalms 116:18 ); fourthly, he will offer continually the sacrifice of thanksgiving ( Psalms 116:17 ) for the benefits... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 116:12

What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? - All his “recompences,” - the same word which in Psalms 116:7 is rendered “hath dealt bountifully.” The question here has reference to that. What return can be equal to his bounties; what will be a proper acknowledgment of them; with what can I repay him for them all? The question is a natural and a proper question. It is one which we naturally ask when we have received a favor from our fellowmortals; how much more proper is it... read more

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