Psalms 116:3 - Exposition

The sorrows of death compassed me ; literally, the cords of death (comp. Psalms 18:4 , where the same expression is used). Death is pictured as seizing his victim and binding him with cords. And the pains of hell gat hold upon me ; or, "the straits of hell" (comp. Psalms 118:5 ; Lamentations 1:3 ). Death and hell (shell) are closely connected together in the prayer of Hezekiah ( Isaiah 38:10 , Isaiah 38:18 ). I found trouble and sorrow; or, "anguish and woe" (comp. Isaiah 38:12-17 ).