Psalms 16

Psalms 16:1-11

the Citizen of Zion and His Inheritance Psalms 15:1-5; Psalms 16:1-11 The first of these psalms was probably composed to celebrate the bringing of the Ark to Mount Zion, 1 Samuel 6:20. It describes the character of those who have fellowship with God and dwell in His house all the days of their earthly lot. To the challenge of the soloist, Psalms 15:1, the choir makes response, Psalms 15:2-5, first positively, then negatively. We must act as non-conductors to evil; must mind what company we keep; and must cultivate a spirit of love and self-sacrifice which will never take advantage of others, Psalms 15:5. Here is the secret of permanence and peace. Michtam means “ golden,” and may be truly applied to the next psalm, as also to Psalms 56:1-13; Psalms 57:1-11; Psalms 58:1-11; Psalms 59:1-17; Psalms 60:1-12. Others explain the word as a “ secret.” It is the song of the golden secret. The key is furnished in Acts 2:25. The Apostle Paul expressly emphasizes the divine authorship in Acts 13:35-38. Our Lord may have repeated Psalms 16:8-11 when He was descending the dark valley, and so may we.

My heart is gladMichtam is derived by some from a word meaning golden. And, indeed, that epithet may be truly applied, not only to this Psalm, but to Psalms 56:1-13; Psalms 57:1-11; Psalms 58:1-11; Psalms 59:1-17; Psalms 60:1-12. Others explain it as a secret; i.e., a song which leads the holy soul into those deep things of God which are hidden from the wise and prudent and revealed to babes by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10-14). This, then, is the song of the golden secret.

The key to the Psalm is given by the Apostle Peter, when, quoting from it, he says: “David speaketh concerning Him” (Acts 2:25). And in the following verses he goes on to show that the Psalm could not be true in all its wealth of meaning of David, but of David’s Lord (Psalms 16:3-11). The Apostle Paul makes a very remarkable reference to this Psalm, expressly ascribing it to God’s authorship through the Psalmist, and affirming that it spoke of Him (Acts 13:35-38). But, of course, in a lower sense, each one of us who are one with Jesus may appropriate these golden words.

Psalms 16:1.The believer turns from all creature confidence to his God, as his only hope and all-sufficient help. Trust in Him cannot be misplaced.

Psalms 16:2 The rendering of R.V. is very beautiful “I have no good beyond Thee.” Satisfied with God, wanting nothing in wealth or comfort outside Him.

Psalms 16:3.The soul that loves God loves the people of God.

Psalms 16:4-6 Contrasted lots. The R.V. brings out the sense. Those who exchange the Lord for another god shall have “sorrows multiplied”; those who live in God’s favor shall have “a goodly heritage.” Fleeing idolatry in every form, the Lord is our portion; He will maintain our lot, assert our cause. The measuring lines are outstretched so as to divide off for us a liberal patrimony; they fall in pleasant places, and our allotment is one facing the sun and including abundance of water. Oh to be as Levi, whose only portion was God Himself! (Numbers 18:20; Lamentations 3:24).

Psalms 16:7.Reins mean inmost thoughts (Psalms 7:9). God often speaks in the quiet heart through the language of thoughts.

Psalms 16:8.The one object of life is to do his will and please Him; and He is ever at the right hand to help–nearer than our accusers (compare Psalms 109:6; Psalms 109:31).

Psalms 16:9.My glory interpreted by Peter of “the tongue” (Acts 2:26). Speech is man’s glory: therewith he blesses God and teaches his brother.

Psalms 16:10-11.Thus The Lord Jesus might have softly sung to Himself as He descended into the lowest depths of his humiliation. Hell here is sheol; not the place of torment, but of disembodied spirits. Thine Holy One, i.e., one whom Thou favorest. The path of life is the upward path to life. God is at our right hand and our lot is pleasant here. Ere long we shall be at his right hand amid everlasting pleasures.