Psalm 116
This is a psalm of thanksgiving, somewhat similar to the 18th, 30th, 40th, and 103rd; and represents, (1.) The psalmist’s great distress and danger, which had almost driven him to despair, ver. 3, 10-11. (2.) The application he made to God by prayer, for relief; and his experience of God’s gracious kindness, in granting his requests, in hearing, pitying, and delivering him, ver. 1-2, 4-6, 8. (3.) His sincere and hearty resolutions, to make a grateful acknowledgment of God’s kindness; by loving him, ver. 1; continuing to call on him and receive from him, ver. 2, 13, 17; resting in him, ver. 7; walking before him as his devoted servant, ver. 9, 16; public confession of God’s tender regard to him, ver. 12, 15; and sincere and public paying of his vows to God, ver. 10-19.
While I sing, let me think, as before God, what of these blessings I have experienced what of these duties I have earnestly practised. If God hath redeemed me from the broken law; from the lowest hell; from the mouth of the infernal lion; and from the power of my corrupt lusts: then let my soul, and all that is within me, be stirred up to bless his holy name; and let me never lose the heart-animating impressions of his benefits.
1 I love the Lord, because my voice
and prayers he did hear.
2 I, while I live, will call on him,
who bowed to me his ear.
3 Of death the cords and sorrows did
about me compass round;
The pains of hell took hold on me,
I grief and trouble found.
4 Upon the name of God the Lord
then did I call, and say,
Deliver thou my soul, O Lord,
I do thee humbly pray.
5 God merciful and righteous is,
yea, gracious is our Lord.
6 God saves the meek: I was brought low,
he did me help afford.
7 O thou my soul, do thou return
unto thy quiet rest;
For largely, lo, the Lord to thee
his bounty hath expressed.
8 For my distressed soul from death
delivered was by thee:
Thou didst my mourning eyes from tears,
my feet from falling, free.
9 I in the land of those that live
will walk the Lord before.
10 I did believe, therefore I spake:
I was afflicted sore.
11 I said, when I was in my haste,
that all men liars be.
12 What shall I render to the Lord
for all his gifts to me?
13 I’ll of salvation take the cup,
on God’s name will I call:
14 I’ll pay my vows now to the Lord
before his people all.
15 Dear in God’s sight is his saints’ death.
16 Thy servant, Lord, am I;
Thy servant sure, thine handmaid’s son:
my bands thou didst untie.
17 Thank off’rings I to thee will give,
and on God’s name will call.
18 I’ll pay my vows now to the Lord
before his people all;
19 Within the courts of God’s own house,
within the midst of thee,
O city of Jerusalem.
Praise to the Lord give ye.
