Psalms 116 Thanksgiving for Deliverance

The writer celebrates the deliverance from extreme perils by which he was favored, and pledges grateful and pious public acknowledgments

1,2

A truly grateful love will be evinced by acts of worship, which calling on God expresses (Ps 116:13; Ps 55:16; 86:7; compare Ps 17:6; 31:2).

3,4

For similar figures for distress see Ps 18:4,

5

gat hold upon me — Another sense ("found") of the same word follows, as we speak of disease finding us, and of our finding or catching disease.

5-8

The relief which he asked is the result not of his merit, but of God's known pity and tenderness, which is acknowledged in assuring himself (his "soul," Ps 11:1; 16:10) of rest and peace. All calamities [Ps 116:8] are represented by death, tears, and falling of the feet (Ps 56:13).

9

walk before the Lord — act, or live under His favor and guidance (Ge 17:1; Ps 61:7). land of the living — (Ps 27:13).

10,11

Confidence in God opposed to distrust of men, as not reliable (Ps 68:8, 9). He speaks from an experience of the result of his faith.

11

in my haste — literally, "terror," or "agitation," produced by his affliction (compare Ps 31:22).

12-14

These are modes of expressing acts of worship (compare Ps 116:4; Ps 50:14; Jon 2:9).

13

the cup of salvation — the drink offering which was part of the thank offering (Nu 15:3-5).

14

now — (compare Ps 115:2). "Oh, that (I may do it)" in the presence, &c.

15,16

By the plea of being a homeborn servant, he intimates his claim on God's covenant love to His people.

17-19

An ampler declaration of his purpose, designating the place, the Lord's house, or earthly residence in Jerusalem.