The Book of Psalms
Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET
PSALM 116
Psa 116:1-19 . 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 ( Psa 116:13 Psa 55:16 86:7 ; compare Psa 17:6 31:2 ).
3, 4. For similar figures for distress see Psa 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," Psa 11:1 16:10 ) of rest and peace. All calamities ( Psa 116:8 ) are represented by death, tears, and falling of the feet ( Psa 56:13 ).
9. walk before the Lord--act, or live under His favor and guidance ( Gen 17:1 Psa 61:7 ).
land of the living-- ( Psa 27:13 ).
10, 11. Confidence in God opposed to distrust of men, as not reliable ( Psa 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 Psa 31:22 ).
12-14. These are modes of expressing acts of worship (compare Psa 116:4 Psa 50:14 Jon 2:9 ).
13. the cup of salvation--the drink offering which was part of the thank offering ( Num 15:3-5 ).
14. now--(compare Psa 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.
