Psalms 16 - Introduction

A.M. 2944. B.C. 1060.

In this Psalm, upon whatever occasion, or in whatever distress David might compose it, we are taught by the Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul, Acts 2:25; Acts 13:35, to consider him as speaking, at least in the latter part of it, in the person of Christ. Indeed the former part also, consisting of strong expressions of devotion, may be interpreted of Christ, though not so conveniently as of David; but certainly the latter part, which speaks with such confidence of a resurrection before seeing corruption is true of Christ only, for David died, was buried, and saw corruption. The fact seems to be, as some learned expositors have stated, that, as David was both a member, and an eminent type of Christ, he speaks of himself sometimes in the one, and sometimes in the other capacity, and passes from the one to the other. And therefore, having spoken of himself as a believer, or member of Christ, in the former part of the Psalm, he proceeds to consider himself as a type of Christ in the latter part; and being inspired by the Holy Ghost with the knowledge and contemplation of Christ's passion and resurrection, he speaks such things, as though they might be accommodated to himself in a very imperfect and improper sense; yet could not truly, literally, properly, and completely belong to any but Christ, to whom therefore they are justly appropriated in the New Testament. Here then David,

(1,) Speaking of himself as a member of Christ, professes his confidence in God, his adherence to him and love to his people, Psalms 16:1. His attachment to the true worship of God, and his entire complacency and satisfaction in him, Psalms 16:4.

(2,) As a type of Christ, and therefore in the person and language of Christ, he speaks of the presence of God with him, Psalms 16:8. Of the resurrection and the glory that should follow, Psalms 16:9.

Title. Michtam of David That is, as many render it, a golden Psalm of David, a very precious one, more to be valued than gold, because it speaks of Christ and his resurrection, who is the true treasure hid in the field of the Old Testament. The same title occurs before some other Psalms, and is rendered constantly by the LXX., στηλογραφια, “all inscription for, or to be engraved on, a pillar.” Hence Dr. Waterland translates it, David's sculpture. It seems to mean, says Dr. Dodd, that those Psalms to which this word is prefixed are especially remarkable, and worthy of everlasting remembrance; worthy to be written in golden letters, and set up, like the ten commandments with us, in some public place, to teach; for so it is expressed in the title of Psalms 60., Michtam of David, to teach, that is, that the people might learn it, and be able to join in the repetition of it.