Psalm 116:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.

NIV: I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.

NASB: I love the Lord, because He hears My voice and my pleas.

CSB: I love the Lord because he has heard my appeal for mercy.

NLT: I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.

KJV: I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

NKJV: I love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications.

Psalm 116:1–4 expresses the psalmist's love for God, who has granted a prayer for rescue. The writer was near death, suffering distress and anguish, but he called on the Lord, and the Lord answered. This inspires a promise to honor God for a lifetime.

The psalmist thanks God for rescue from a fatal threat. During some intense crisis, the writer cried out to God and was spared. For this reason, the psalmist promises to praise God forever. The danger made this writer question the reasons for his situation, but did not erase his faith. He recognizes that the Lord values all of His people, and vows to publicly honor the One who has saved him.

Major Jewish celebrations incorporated a series of songs (Psalms 113—118), often called "the Hallel." These frequently use the phrase halelu-yāh, better known in English as "hallelujah." This literally means "Praise the Lord!" Psalm 116 emphasizes the personal salvation experienced by the psalmist. His words explore the way God's people often struggle to understand hardships (Psalm 73:2–3).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 12/21/2024 8:19:16 PM