111:1–117:2
The word Hallelujah! is repeated throughout this group of psalms.
Study notes
Psalms 116
113:1–118:29
These psalms are called the Egyptian Hallel. Hallel means “praise.” Jewish people use these psalms during Passover, which began when God brought Israel out of Egypt in the exodus. The people recite Psalms 113–114 before the Passover meal, and Psalms 115–118 are recited afterward.
116:1
I love the LORD: This unique opening expresses affection for and commitment to the Lord (see Psalm 18:1; Deuteronomy 6:5) on the basis of what the Lord has done.
116:1–4
The psalmist praises the Lord for answering his prayers and rescuing him from death.
116:1–19
This song of thanksgiving rejoices in God’s character and in rescue from death (Psalm 116:1–11). It gives an assurance of God’s protection in life and reminds the godly that the Lord watches over them even at death. The psalmist commits to living as God’s servant and resolves to honor him publicly (Psalm 116:12–19).
116:1–19 Section
Psalm 116 is a poem that gives thanks to God. The speaker explains why they love God. It’s because God heard their cry for help and took action to save them.
This psalm has many things in common with Psalm 22. First, the speaker recognises things that are true about God. This includes God being full of tender love. Second, the speaker describes how they felt when they were suffering. They were sad, terrified and in great pain. Third, the speaker trusted in God even when they were facing danger.
What is different from Psalm 22 is that God has already rescued the speaker. That is why they are thanking God. They show that they are thankful in many ways. They worship God and offer a sacrifice. They tell others what God has done for them. They keep their promises to God and serve him faithfully.
116:2
Because the Lord responds to the cry of his people(Psalm 107:41; 113:6–8), the psalmist now strongly believes in prayer.
116:3
It is not clear if the psalmist’s crisis was a literal near-death experience or if he was using the term figuratively.
116:4
This is the first of three times that the psalmist calls on the Lord’s name (which represents God's reputation).
116:5–7
The gracious, righteous, and compassionate Lord (see Psalm 111:1–5) rescued and gave rest to the psalmist.
116:6
People with childlike faith readily receive God's wisdom and instruction (Psalm 19:7–11; Matthew 18:3–4).
116:8–11
The psalmist’s near-death crisis made him more aware of life and of walking before the Lord. Though he had suffered, the Lord was faithful. However, people are all liars.
116:9
I will walk before the LORD: The psalmist lived with integrity. After experiencing deep distress, he now enjoys open fellowship with the Lord (see Psalm 56:13; compare Job 42:5).
116:10
I believed: Paul quotes this phrase in 2 Corinthians 4:13.
116:12–14
The Lord’s gracious gifts are so great that the psalmist can do nothing to repay his debt. Keeping his promises publicly demonstrates his gratitude.
All he has done for the psalmist includes answers to prayer, rescue, and life.
The cup of salvation overflows with God’s blessings (Psalm 23:5), unlike the cup of judgment (75:8).
The psalmist makes vows (Psalm 116:18) to praise the Lord publicly (116:17–18).
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.
Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources