Click here to read PSALM 16 in poetic form.
Background
This Psalm is one of the greatest encouragements concerning Jesus Christ that he would have read about himself. Verses 8-11 are quoted by Peter on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:25-28) and by Paul in Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:35). Jesus Christ had a glad heart and was at peace because of the hope of his resurrection. The Messiah stayed on the “path of life” and overcame death to be at God’s right hand where “there are pleasures for evermore.”
Structure
(Verses 1-3) Messiah’s prayer with trust in God
(Verse 4) Suffering of those who seek other gods
(Verse 5-7) Blessings to those who seek the true God
(Verse 8-11) Messiah’s prayer with trust in God
Key Scriptures
Verse 1—“Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.” Jesus Christ trusted his Father to rescue him from evil men many times. See the blog “Escape Artists” for further details.
Verse 7—“I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.” Jesus Christ always went to his Father for counsel and advice on what to do. Jesus said, “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” (John 5:30). God instructed His Son “in the night seasons”—during Jesus’ most trying situations.
Verses 8-11—Here we have Jesus Christ’s great example:
- His earthly ministry and fulfillment of God’s calling as the Messiah: the Lord before him, at his right hand, so never moved from his purpose (verse 8)
- His suffering and death: his soul would rest in hope and not remain in “hell” (the grave) or see corruption (verses 9,10)
- His resurrection and ascension: the path of life with fullness of joy (verse 11)
- His seating and eternal position at God’s right hand: at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (verse 11)
FOR FURTHER STUDY
All 150 of The Psalms in Poetic Form are available from Amazon in a book, either Large Print or a smaller Bedside Reader. Also available for free with a Kindle Unlimited membership. Enjoy!
The entire blog series is now available in the publication The Psalms: Background & Structure with Key Scriptures Explained.
