Psalms 116
DOYLYPsalms 116:10
10, 11. I believed, &c.] In afflictions and distresses, those of the spirit and conscience more especially, the soul is tempted to despond, and can only be supported by faith exerting itself in prayer: “I believed, and therefore have I spoken,” or, therefore spake I; that is, as above, ver. 4, “I called upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.” And this I did, though so “greatly afflicted,” that I had “said in my haste,” in my hurry and trepidation, occasioned by fear and amazement, “All men are liars;” there is no credit to be given to their promises of deliverance, I am lost and undone for ever; yet my faith failed not
Psalms 116:13
- — the cup of salvation.] This cup of salvation is
the drink-offering annexed to and poured upon the sacrifice, at the time they used to call upon the name of the
Lord. Jos. Mede. This praise is taken from the common practice of the Jews in their thank-offerings, in
which a feast was made of the remainders of the sacrifices, and the officers, together with the priests, did eat
and drink before the Lord; and, amongst other rites, the master of the feast took a cup of wine into his hand, and solemnly blessed God for it, and for the mercy which was then acknowledged, and then gave it to all the guests, who drank successively of it. See 1 Chron. xvi. 2, 3. To which custom it is supposed that our blessed Saviour alludes in the institution of the cup, which also is called “the cup of blessing,” 1 Cor. x. 16, which is in effect the same with “the cup of salvation.” Poole.
Psalms 116:15
- Precious in the sight &c.] That is, good men are
so precious in God’s esteem, that He will not prematurely deliver them up to the power of death. Dr. Wells.
- — thou hast loosed my bonds. Thou hast rescued me from the power of death. Bp. Patrick.
We should particularly here observe with what sentiments of joy and gratitude the Psalmist celebrates the
wonderful deliverances which God had vouchsafed him in the great dangers he had been exposed to, with what zeal he praises Him, and vows to love and obey Him.
From his example we learn, that when God has bestowed any particular favour on us, and especially when He
has delivered us from any great danger, it is our duty to love Him, to bless his holy name, and praise Him in the presence of all his people; and above all, to walk before Him all the days of our life, and to testify our gratitude to Him, not only by our words, but by all our actions. Ostervald.