Psalms 16

Chapter Overview

What happens in Psalms 16

A miktam of David expressing deep trust and joy in God. David finds complete satisfaction in the Lord and looks forward to life beyond death. This psalm is quoted in Acts as pointing to the resurrection of Jesus.

Scripture

God Is My Portion

Study note

David asks God to protect him because he trusts in him. He finds joy in the company of God's people and declares that God is his inheritance and his greatest treasure.

1 Keep me safe, O God, because I have run to you for shelter. Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.

2 I told the Lord, "You are my Lord. Every good thing I have comes from you." O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;

3 The people who love God here in the land — they are the ones I admire the most. They are my greatest delight. But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

4 People who run after other gods are only piling up pain for themselves. I will never pour out offerings of blood to their gods or even let their names pass my lips. Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.

5 Lord, you yourself are what I have been given. You are my share in life. My whole future rests safely in your grip. The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

6 The life you measured out for me landed in a beautiful spot. What an incredible gift you have handed me. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

Joy in God's Presence

Study note

David praises God for guidance and wisdom. Because God is at his right hand, he is unshakable. He trusts that God will not abandon him to the grave but will show him the path of life.

7 I will praise the Lord for the wisdom he pours into me. Even in the quiet of the night, my deepest self learns from him. I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

8 I always keep the Lord before me. With him standing at my side, nothing can shake me loose. I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

9 Therefore my heart overflows with gladness and my whole being celebrates. Even my body rests without worry. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

10 You are not going to leave my soul among the dead. You will not let the one who is devoted to you waste away in the grave. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

11 You will show me the path of life: in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Key Themes

Themes in Psalms 16

God as our greatest treasureJoy in God's presenceProtection from death and decayA life of trust and delight

Prophetic Connections

How this chapter points to Christ

Psalms Psalm 16:8-11 Acts 2:25-31; Acts 13:35-37

Peter at Pentecost and Paul at Antioch both quote this psalm as a prophecy of Christ's resurrection — God would not let his Holy One see decay.

Apply This Today

Living Psalms 16

David found His deepest satisfaction not in possessions or achievements but in God himself. 'You make known to me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy.' Whatever you are chasing for fulfillment, nothing will satisfy like God's presence. He is the treasure your heart is really looking for.

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