Psalm 16

This book of Psalms is applicable for our lives in every circumstance and situation we find ourselves in.

The inscription starts with a unique term that we have not encountered up to this point in the Psalms. Most English Bibles leave it untranslated. Michtam is a word that relates to a fine gold –

a gold that is superior to typical or normal gold. A hideous stain on a white t-shirt stands out – it is very noticeably different. That is how this gold is – it is so excellent that it stands out – it stands apart. This is a psalm that stands out from the other psalms. It is a gem among the Psalms.

v1: Preserve – Guard, keep, watch over. When we live under the authority of G-d (put our trust in Him) we can expect His supervision, rely on His refuge etc.

v2: The implication of this verse is that David realizes that nothing should be thought of as separate or unrelated to G-d. Everything is related to G-d. G-d wants to be involved in everything that happens in our lives. Even when we are in disobedience, G-d wants to be there to lead us to repentance. G-d wants to teach us, or discipline us, so that we regain the right perspective.

· Goodness is related to the will of G-d. It is only when we are in the will of G-d that we can expect His goodness to be provided to us. David wants to behave in such a way that every aspect of his life recognises G-d’s sovereignty.

v3: As new covenant believers we think of saints as those who have been saved by G-d’s grace. The term ‘saint’ is simply a word meaning ‘holy ones’ and it’s related to the purposes of G-d.

· The word “excellent” here refers to mighty or splendid. Those who are committed to the purposes of G-d are mighty.

· David delights in them – he wants to be one of them.

v4: This verse shows a dichotomy. What the saints pursue is very different to what these people in v4 pursue.

· When people pursue idolatry (an idol is anything that comes before G-d) it is going to multiply sadness in their lives.

· Offerings of blood – also related to idolatry (spiritual adultery) Blood is important Biblically. Blood was foundational for worship in the temple, but blood was always appropriated properly (handled in a very precise manner). This verse is talking about how people misappropriated the blood (misused it).

· Take up their names – the names of false G-ds.

David is making a proclamation that he will not be part of anything related to idolatry. He will not be about his own will, but will be about G-d’s will. This is David’s commitment.

v5: L-rd – the sacred name of G-d used here.

· ‘Cup’ and ‘portion’ are two related words. (‘cup of salvation’, ‘cup overflows’…). When we make G-d the priority of our lives (when His portion is our portion) then we can expect Him to move in an abundant way.

· Maintain my lot – the emphasis here is on the future. G-d has a future for you and for me.

v6: lines = a region or a domain (those things that belong to G-d’s purposes).

· Inheritance – a possession, a future hope of provision. The inheritance G-d has for us is a pleasant one. David has confidence that he is going to be an inheritor, an heir, of G-d’s portion. We should want what G-d has for us – not pursuing what we think is best for ourselves or what pleases our flesh.

v7: David’s response to this hope is to bless G-d. The principle in this verse is this: when we pursue our will G-d will be silent. When we pursue G-d’s will it leads to His counsel/insight/guidance in our lives.

· Night seasons – those times of darkness are not devoid of G-d. He is there, and He instructs us even in those times.

v8: Set the L-rd always – continually.

· Right hand can relate to that which is the seat of integrity. It is at the right hand that majestic things are accomplished.

· Shall not be moved – shall not become despondent in doing good (pursuing the will of G-d etc)

v9: The word ‘heart’ (the place of our thoughts) and ‘glory’ are related. We need to think upon

the things that are glorious to G-d and the outcome is going to be joy and gladness.

· Rest/dwell. When we pursue those things that are glorious to G-d we can be assured of His security (safety) – a form of ‘spiritual insurance’ so to speak.

v10: This is a Messianic prophecy (Acts 2:22-36)

· Sheol – the place of the dead.

· Holy One – written in the singular. Spoken about Someone very specific and is not a generalisation relating to many.

v11: ‘Show me’ is the word that means to inform. It is a word related to making an announcement.

· Path of life – David wanted to travel in the proper direction. He wanted to take the right road.

· It is only when we are on that right path that we are going to be in G-d’s presence and are going to be filled with joy/satisfied.

· Forever – this is a word that is related to the Kingdom of G-d. It is a word that is related to victory – being victorious (eternal victory can only be ours through the work of Messiah Yeshua).