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- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
From what he has experienced the poet infers that the saints of Jahve are under His most especial providence. Instead of המּות the poet, who is fond of such embellishments, chooses the pathetic form המּותה, and consequently, instead of the genitival construct state (מות), the construction with the Lamed of "belonging to." It ought properly to be "soul" or "blood," as in the primary passage Psa 72:14. But the observation of Grotius: quae pretiosa sunt, non facile largimur, applies also to the expression "death." The death of His saints is no trifling matter with God; He does not lightly suffer it to come about; He does not suffer His own to be torn away from Him by death. (Note: The Apostolic Constitutions (vi. 30) commend the singing of these and other words of the Psalms at the funerals of those who have departed in the faith (cf. Augusti, Denkwrdigkeiten, ix. 563). In the reign of the Emperor Decius, Babylas Bishop of Antioch, full of blessed hope, met death singing these words.) After this the poet goes on beseechingly: ānnáh Adonaj. The prayer itself is not contained in פּתּחתּ למוסרי - for he is already rescued, and the perfect as a precative is limited to such utterances spoken in the tone of an exclamation as we find in Job 21:16 - but remains unexpressed; it lies wrapped up as it were in this heartfelt ānnáh: Oh remain still so gracious to me as Thou hast already proved Thyself to me. The poet rejoices in and is proud of the fact that he may call himself the servant of God. With אמתך he is mindful of his pious mother (cf. Psa 86:16). The Hebrew does not form a feminine, עבדּה; Arab. amata signifies a maid, who is not, as such, also Arab. ‛abdat, a slave. The dative of the object, למוסרי (from מוסרים for the more usual מוסרות), is used with פתחת instead of the accusative after the Aramaic manner, but it does also occur in the older Hebrew (e.g., Job 19:3; Isa 53:11). The purpose of publicly giving thanks to the Gracious One is now more full-toned here at the close. Since such emphasis is laid on the Temple and the congregation, what is meant is literal thank-offerings in payment of vows. In בּתוככי (as in Psa 135:9) we have in the suffix the ancient and Aramaic i (cf. Psa 116:7) for the third time. With אנּה the poet clings to Jahve, with נגדּה־נּא to the congregation, and with בּתוככי to the holy city. The one thought that fills his whole soul, and in which the song which breathes forth his soul dies away, is Hallelujah.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
By the plea of being a homeborn servant, he intimates his claim on God's covenant love to His people.
John Gill Bible Commentary
I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving,.... For deliverance from afflictions and death; for loosing his bonds, in every sense; for all mercies, temporal and spiritual; see Rom 6:17; Such sacrifices are according to the will of God; are well pleasing to him, when offered up through Christ, and in faith, and are a glorifying of him. These are more acceptable than all ceremonial sacrifices; and therefore the psalmist determined to offer this, and not them; and will call upon the name of the Lord; See Gill on Psa 116:13.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
116:15-19 No one lives or dies outside of God’s will. Having been given a second chance at life, the poet readily commits himself to the Lord with renewed acts of public devotion.
The LORD Has Heard My Voice
14I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people. 15Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. 16Truly, O LORD, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have broken my bonds.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Taking the Cup and Calling on Jesus
By Carter Conlon2.4K39:42AfflictionPSA 116:12PSA 116:15MAT 26:26In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that there is a divine purpose in all the challenges and trials we face. He refers to biblical figures like Moses and Joshua who went through dark seasons of the soul, questioning God's purposes and feeling defeated. However, in the end, they realized that God was working something deeper within them and that He is the God of the miraculous. The speaker encourages the audience to trust in God's plan, to not lose faith, and to be willing to go to impossible places and become what only God can make them.
Teach Us to Number Our Days Part 1
By Keith Daniel1.7K47:47PSA 116:15ROM 8:1ROM 8:221CO 15:261CO 15:55HEB 2:9HEB 9:271JN 3:14REV 14:13This sermon delves into the inevitability of death and the importance of being prepared for the afterlife. It emphasizes the brevity of life, the reality of facing judgment after death, and the need for faith in Jesus Christ to overcome the fear of death and find eternal peace. The speaker shares personal stories and biblical truths to highlight the significance of being saved and living with the assurance of salvation.
Power Encounter in Papua New Guinea (Part 2)
By David Sitton1.6K59:06RevivalPSA 86:8PSA 116:15ACT 26:182CO 5:8In this sermon, the speaker recounts a powerful encounter with a woman named Rosa who was practicing witchcraft. He describes how she was dancing, chanting, and trying to levitate a bamboo from a distance. The speaker responds by rebuking her in the name of Jesus and praying fervently. He then shares a story of preaching the gospel to tribal people and emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the superiority of God over their spirits. The sermon concludes with the speaker recounting a controversial decision he made during the encounter with Rosa, which resulted in the loss of some support.
Opposition to the Church
By Steve Gallagher65556:36PSA 37:23PSA 116:15ACT 12:5HEB 9:27This sermon delves into the transition period of the early church, focusing on the shift from Peter as the main actor to the rise of the Apostle Paul. It covers the birth and growth of the church at Antioch, the martyrdom of James, Peter's miraculous escape from prison, and the death of King Herod Agrippa. The sermon also explores the chronology of events and the significance of prayer in the believers' lives.
Death Puts an End to All Changes
By Thomas Brooks2DeathEternal LifePSA 116:15JHN 11:25ROM 8:181CO 15:542CO 5:1PHP 1:211TH 4:142TI 4:7HEB 2:14REV 21:4Thomas Brooks emphasizes that for a believer, death signifies the end of all earthly changes and struggles, marking their last day as their best day. He reflects on the transient nature of life, where joy can quickly turn to sorrow, health to sickness, and strength to weakness. Brooks reassures that in death, believers will no longer face temptation or sin, and they will experience eternal comfort and peace in the presence of God. Ultimately, he encourages Christians to view their dying day as a glorious transition to everlasting joy.
The Funeral
By Thomas Brooks1Victory over DeathEternal LifePSA 116:15ISA 25:8JHN 11:25ROM 8:181CO 15:552CO 5:1PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 2:14REV 21:4Thomas Brooks emphasizes that for a Christian, death signifies the end of all earthly struggles such as sins, sorrows, and afflictions, while simultaneously marking the beginning of eternal joys and the fulfillment of hopes. He highlights that death leads to a deeper and more perfect communion with God, allowing believers to triumph over the fear of death. This understanding inspires Christians to boldly proclaim the victory over death, echoing the words, 'O death! where is your sting? O grave! where is your victory?'
Testimony of George Fox Concerning Isaac Penington
By Isaac Penington1PSA 116:15JHN 11:26ROM 14:8COL 3:3REV 14:13Isaac Penington, a beloved minister of the gospel, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of faith and service to the church of Christ. His life and works were a testimony to the power of God and the victory found in living by faith. As believers, we are called to live in a way that magnifies Christ, whether in life or death, knowing that we belong to the Lord. Penington's memory is blessed, and his life serves as an example of living in righteousness and dying in the Lord, precious in God's sight.
But God
By J. Frank Norris0GEN 50:20EXO 14:14PSA 27:1PSA 116:151CO 15:38EPH 2:4EPH 6:2PHP 2:9J. Frank Norris preaches on the story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis, emphasizing how despite the evil intentions of others, God's ultimate plan prevails for good. He urges the congregation to meditate on the powerful phrase 'But God' which signifies divine intervention and sovereignty throughout the Bible. Norris highlights the three enemies of the soul: Sin, Defeat, and Death, and stresses the need for faith in overcoming life's challenges. Through Joseph's life journey of betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, the preacher illustrates how God's hand was always at work, turning defeat into victory and fulfilling His greater purpose.
The Death of Saints Precious
By Charles Finney0Death of SaintsEternal LifePSA 116:15ISA 57:1MAT 5:4JHN 14:2ROM 14:82CO 5:8PHP 1:211TH 4:131PE 1:3REV 21:4Charles Finney emphasizes the preciousness of the death of saints in God's sight, explaining that their transition to eternal rest is a source of joy for both God and the departed. He outlines reasons why this event is precious, including God's deep love for His children, the joy of their eternal happiness, and the glory it brings to Him. Finney also encourages believers to view the death of saints as precious, urging them to align their perspectives with God's, recognizing the joy and glory that accompany such transitions. He addresses common reasons for our failure to see death in this light, such as selfishness and unbelief, and concludes with a call to rejoice in God's mercies and the hope of eternal life.
Death Brings the Soul to a State of Eternal Rest
By Thomas Brooks0Eternal RestThe Hope of DeathPSA 116:15ISA 57:2MAT 11:28JHN 14:2ROM 8:182CO 5:8PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 4:9REV 14:13Thomas Brooks emphasizes that a believer's last day is their best day, as death brings the soul into a state of eternal rest. He explains that death provides relief from the troubles of labor, afflictions, persecutions, temptations, sin, and sorrow. While in this world, even the godliest believers experience a lack of both temporal and spiritual mercies, but death leads to unchangeable rest and everlasting enjoyment of God. Brooks describes death as a coronation and marriage day for believers, marking their entrance into paradise and the joy of the Lord. Ultimately, he asserts that the day of a believer's death is far better than the day of their birth.
Letter 90
By James Bourne0PSA 23:4PSA 116:15ISA 40:31PHP 1:21COL 3:3James Bourne shares a heartfelt letter describing the trials and spiritual journey of their friend Mr. Nunn, who is facing the end of his life with hope and faith in God's goodness. Despite physical and spiritual struggles, Mr. Nunn finds comfort in the favor of God and the assurance of eternal life in Christ. His words reflect a deep sense of peace and surrender to God's will, emphasizing the importance of waiting upon the Lord for renewed strength and endurance.
Lxviii. to a Christian Brother, on the Death of His Daughter
By Samuel Rutherford0PSA 116:15ROM 8:181CO 15:421TH 4:14HEB 12:23Samuel Rutherford delivers a comforting sermon to a grieving family, assuring them of the hope of resurrection for their departed daughter. He encourages them to find solace in the belief that those who have passed away in Jesus will be brought back by God. Rutherford reminds them that their daughter is now in the presence of God, experiencing the glory of heaven, and that it is a blessing for her to be with the Lord. He emphasizes the eternal perspective of life and the assurance that their prayers for her have been answered through her sinless glorifying of God.
Psalms 116:15
By Chuck Smith0Hope in Eternal LifeThe Value of DeathPSA 116:15ISA 57:1JHN 14:2ROM 8:181CO 15:542CO 5:8PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 11:16REV 21:4Chuck Smith emphasizes that the death of a Christian is viewed as precious in the eyes of the Lord, highlighting that it is ordained and planned by God. He explains that while death is often feared, it signifies a release from the struggles of the physical body and an entrance into God's presence. Smith notes that God's love for His saints is evident in their trust during death, which contrasts with the divided love often experienced in life. Ultimately, the death of saints is a fulfillment of hope, ushering them into eternal life with God.
From the Close of the General Conference of 1792 to the Close of the Annual Conferences of 1796
By Nathan Bangs0PSA 116:15MAT 5:161CO 1:27PHP 2:31TH 1:31TI 4:122TI 4:7HEB 6:10JAS 5:161PE 5:6Nathan Bangs preaches about the remarkable lives and impactful ministries of Benjamin Abbott and Francis Acuff, two humble yet powerful servants of God who dedicated their lives to spreading the gospel and saving souls. Benjamin Abbott, though illiterate, possessed a deep spiritual insight and fervent prayer life that brought about powerful manifestations of God's presence in his preaching and ministry, leading many to repentance and conversion. Francis Acuff, though young and only in the ministry for a short time, left a lasting legacy in the west through his talents, labors, and unwavering dedication to the work of God. Their lives serve as examples of faith, humility, and the transformative power of God's grace.
On the Approach of Death
By Thomas Reade0DEU 31:14PSA 116:15ROM 8:162CO 5:17PHP 1:211TH 4:16HEB 9:27HEB 12:291JN 5:13REV 22:20Thomas Reade preaches on the approaching reality of death, emphasizing the importance of being prepared to meet God. He highlights the brevity of life, the certainty of death, and the necessity of faith in Jesus for salvation. Reade urges believers to examine their hearts, seek reconciliation with God, and live in anticipation of eternity. He underscores the significance of faith in Christ, the purification of the soul through trials, and the joy of meeting God in heaven.
Look Upon Death
By Thomas Brooks0DeathEternal LifePSA 116:15ECC 7:1MIC 2:10JHN 11:25ROM 6:231CO 15:542CO 5:8PHP 1:23HEB 2:14REV 21:4Thomas Brooks emphasizes the perspective of viewing death as a blessing rather than a fear, asserting that a believer's dying day is the best day, marking the transition to eternal glory. He illustrates that death serves as a remedy, curing both physical ailments and spiritual sins, thus liberating the believer from all forms of suffering. Brooks encourages Christians to embrace death as a rest from the trials of life, highlighting that it leads to a state of eternal peace and joy in the presence of Christ. He reminds the faithful that death is not an end, but a beginning of a glorious existence free from sin and suffering.
The Death of Friends--Awaiting the Sabbath
By John Newton0PSA 42:1PSA 116:15ROM 8:282CO 4:18REV 21:4John Newton delivers a sermon comforting the congregation on the passing of Mrs. **** and Mr. T****, emphasizing the wisdom and sovereignty of God's appointments, assuring that their suffering was purposeful and that they are now in a place of eternal happiness. Reflecting on the brevity of life and the significance of faith in Jesus, Newton encourages a focus on eternal matters rather than temporal concerns. He expresses a longing for deeper communion with God and a thirst for His presence, acknowledging the imperfections of earthly life but finding hope in the promise of an everlasting Sabbath in heaven.
Dying Words
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 116:15PRO 16:311CO 15:552TI 4:7HEB 11:13J.C. Philpot reflects on the solemnity of death, contrasting the final moments of the righteous and the ungodly. He emphasizes the importance of a blessed death, highlighting the significance of dying well as a reflection of one's faith and victory over death. Philpot underscores the lasting impact of dying words, noting how the expressions of a departing believer can profoundly influence the living, serving as seeds of spiritual awakening and transformation.
Your Funeral Service (Ii Corinthians 5)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Life After DeathReadiness for Christ's ReturnPSA 90:12PSA 116:151CO 15:422CO 5:12CO 5:8Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the profound truth of life after death for believers, illustrating that while death may seem sorrowful to the living, it is a precious transition to being with the Lord. He reflects on the resurrection, highlighting the transformation from a natural to a spiritual body, and encourages the congregation to live in faith and readiness for Christ's return. Waldvogel urges listeners to examine their lives and prepare for the inevitable judgment, reminding them that true life is found in Christ and that earthly attachments should not hinder their spiritual journey.
That Dead Man or Dead Woman
By Thomas Brooks0Hope in ChristDeath of the RighteousNUM 23:10PSA 116:15PRO 14:32JHN 11:25ROM 14:82CO 5:1PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 12:1REV 14:13Thomas Brooks emphasizes the contrasting fates of the wicked and the righteous in his sermon 'That Dead Man or Dead Woman.' He laments the fate of the wicked, who face torment and despair, while celebrating the joyous welcome that awaits departed believers in heaven. Brooks encourages the congregation to aspire to die the death of the righteous, highlighting the preciousness of a saint's death in God's eyes.
James Guthrie
By Alexander Whyte0PSA 116:15ROM 8:182CO 12:9PHP 1:21REV 2:10Alexander Whyte preaches about the life and martyrdom of James Guthrie, a passionate Covenanter who stood firm in his faith and convictions despite facing persecution and death. Guthrie's deep sense of sin, humility, and unwavering commitment to the cause of reformation are highlighted, along with his tender and compassionate approach in handling controversies. Despite his fear of death, Guthrie longed to die with all his senses and graces intact, showing his strong faith and trust in God's mercy and salvation. His execution and final words reflect his readiness to depart in peace and his firm belief in the eternal life awaiting him.
Death
By George Herbert0PSA 116:15JHN 11:251CO 15:55REV 21:4George Herbert preaches about the transformation of death from a terrifying and grim concept to a beautiful and graceful transition, symbolized by the infusion of blood into death's face after our Savior's sacrifice. He encourages the congregation to view death as a peaceful slumber and to trust in a faithful grave, where we can rest half of what we have, whether in this life or the next.
A Desire to Depart
By David Wilkerson0Overcoming Fear of DeathEternal LifePSA 116:15JHN 14:2ROM 8:181CO 15:542CO 5:1PHP 1:211TH 4:142TI 4:7HEB 11:16REV 21:4David Wilkerson emphasizes that our mortal bodies are merely temporary shells that house the eternal life given to us by God. He explains that this eternal life grows within us, and when it reaches maturity, our physical bodies must be shed to embrace a new, glorious existence. Wilkerson encourages Christians to overcome the fear of death, as Paul did, recognizing that to die is to gain a greater life with the Lord. He urges believers to shift their focus from earthly ties to the anticipation of the heavenly city prepared for those who die in faith. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper desire to depart and be with the Lord, celebrating the victory of those who have passed on in Christ.
Precious Death
By A.W. Pink0God's Perspective on DeathDeath of SaintsPSA 46:1PSA 103:13PSA 116:15ISA 43:2ISA 63:9LAM 3:33JHN 14:3ACT 14:222CO 5:8HEB 4:15A.W. Pink emphasizes the preciousness of a saint's death in the sight of the Lord, as expressed in Psalm 116:15. He encourages believers to view death from God's perspective, recognizing that it signifies the end of suffering and the beginning of eternal communion with Him. Pink explains that the Lord's love for His saints makes their deaths precious, as it allows Him to display His sufficiency and grace in their final moments. He reassures that while we may grieve, the Lord rejoices in bringing His people home, fulfilling His promise of eternal presence. Ultimately, the death of a saint is seen as an honorable and bright transition into the Lord's presence.
Fifth Theory -- Sanctification Will Be Obtained in the Resurrection
By B.A. Cundiff0PSA 116:15ROM 8:61CO 15:421CO 15:53HEB 2:111JN 3:2REV 21:1B.A. Cundiff preaches about the misconception that carnality is essential in the body and must be destroyed in the resurrection, emphasizing that carnality is in the mind, leading to death of the soul. The sermon highlights that at the resurrection, our characters will remain the same as when we died, and we will be judged accordingly. It explains that through sanctification and becoming one with Christ, we can have the assurance of passing through death triumphantly and facing judgment without fear, ultimately dwelling in the new heaven with Christ and the saints forever.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
From what he has experienced the poet infers that the saints of Jahve are under His most especial providence. Instead of המּות the poet, who is fond of such embellishments, chooses the pathetic form המּותה, and consequently, instead of the genitival construct state (מות), the construction with the Lamed of "belonging to." It ought properly to be "soul" or "blood," as in the primary passage Psa 72:14. But the observation of Grotius: quae pretiosa sunt, non facile largimur, applies also to the expression "death." The death of His saints is no trifling matter with God; He does not lightly suffer it to come about; He does not suffer His own to be torn away from Him by death. (Note: The Apostolic Constitutions (vi. 30) commend the singing of these and other words of the Psalms at the funerals of those who have departed in the faith (cf. Augusti, Denkwrdigkeiten, ix. 563). In the reign of the Emperor Decius, Babylas Bishop of Antioch, full of blessed hope, met death singing these words.) After this the poet goes on beseechingly: ānnáh Adonaj. The prayer itself is not contained in פּתּחתּ למוסרי - for he is already rescued, and the perfect as a precative is limited to such utterances spoken in the tone of an exclamation as we find in Job 21:16 - but remains unexpressed; it lies wrapped up as it were in this heartfelt ānnáh: Oh remain still so gracious to me as Thou hast already proved Thyself to me. The poet rejoices in and is proud of the fact that he may call himself the servant of God. With אמתך he is mindful of his pious mother (cf. Psa 86:16). The Hebrew does not form a feminine, עבדּה; Arab. amata signifies a maid, who is not, as such, also Arab. ‛abdat, a slave. The dative of the object, למוסרי (from מוסרים for the more usual מוסרות), is used with פתחת instead of the accusative after the Aramaic manner, but it does also occur in the older Hebrew (e.g., Job 19:3; Isa 53:11). The purpose of publicly giving thanks to the Gracious One is now more full-toned here at the close. Since such emphasis is laid on the Temple and the congregation, what is meant is literal thank-offerings in payment of vows. In בּתוככי (as in Psa 135:9) we have in the suffix the ancient and Aramaic i (cf. Psa 116:7) for the third time. With אנּה the poet clings to Jahve, with נגדּה־נּא to the congregation, and with בּתוככי to the holy city. The one thought that fills his whole soul, and in which the song which breathes forth his soul dies away, is Hallelujah.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
By the plea of being a homeborn servant, he intimates his claim on God's covenant love to His people.
John Gill Bible Commentary
I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving,.... For deliverance from afflictions and death; for loosing his bonds, in every sense; for all mercies, temporal and spiritual; see Rom 6:17; Such sacrifices are according to the will of God; are well pleasing to him, when offered up through Christ, and in faith, and are a glorifying of him. These are more acceptable than all ceremonial sacrifices; and therefore the psalmist determined to offer this, and not them; and will call upon the name of the Lord; See Gill on Psa 116:13.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
116:15-19 No one lives or dies outside of God’s will. Having been given a second chance at life, the poet readily commits himself to the Lord with renewed acts of public devotion.