Psalms 116 - Introduction

A.M. 2984. B.C. 1020.

It is not certain by whom or on what occasion this Psalm was composed. It plainly appears, however, to be a song of thanksgiving for deliverance from trouble, either temporal or spiritual, or both. The Jews were wont to sing this Psalm, with the three preceding and two following, (as has been observed in the contents of the 113th,) after their passover, for which, some commentators think, they had undoubtedly the direction of some of their prophets, who saw that it represented Christ, the true paschal lamb, singing thus, after his last passover, with a reference to his approaching sufferings, in full assurance of being heard in that he feared. But it seems, as Dr. Horne has observed, that it ought rather to be considered “as an evangelical hymn in the mouth of a penitent, expressing his gratitude for salvation from sin and death.” The psalmist declares his love to God, who had vouchsafed to hear his prayer, and determines still to call upon him, Psalms 116:1; Psalms 116:2. Describes the distress he had been in, his deliverance out of it, and his subsequent comfort, Psalms 116:3. Acknowledges he had been tempted to despond, but was supported by faith in the day of trouble, Psalms 116:10; Psalms 116:11. Determines to praise and serve Jehovah, who thus delivers the souls of his people, Psalms 116:12.