Psalm 16

1. The opening request, “Preserve me,” is a common theme in the psalms (see 17:8, 140:4, 141:9) and is common among men even today. When we trust in God and are His child, this may, in reality, be our most common request.

2. Verse 2 contains these words: “I have no good besides You.” MacArthur says the thought is: “My well-being is entirely dependent upon You.” When we trust God to that level, we will have a better and more peaceful life.

3. Verse 3 should continue to be the thought of every Christian. Do we truly make Christians our “delight”? Just for me to think about: why don’t I spend more time with God’s people?

4. Verses 5 and 6 show a great usage of poetic language displaying the ways in which God blesses His own. The phrases are deep and somewhat difficult to understand, but ripe with meaning.

5. Personally, I love how David says in verse 7 that God has “counseled” him. God still does this today through His Word. Am I listening to His counsel?

6. As has been said in these posts several times, David can be confident (as can we) because God is with us. Note verse 8: “Because He [God] is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

7. Verse 10 was used by both Peter (Acts 2) and Paul (Acts 13:35) to apply to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

8. The last phrase of the psalm shows David’s confidence in eternity: “In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” The thought rings true again at the end of the more famous 23rd Psalm. David, seemingly, was a firm believer in eternity. Are we?