Psalm 16:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.

NIV: I say of the holy people who are in the land, "They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight."

NASB: As for the saints who are on the earth, They are the majestic ones; all my delight is in them.

CSB: As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones. All my delight is in them.

NLT: The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!

KJV: But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

NKJV: As for the saints who are on the earth, “They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”

David has fellowship with the Lord; therefore, he has fellowship with the Lord's people, "the saints in the land." The word "saints" identifies those who are set apart unto the Lord. These are not a special class of extra-righteous people, but all who are saved by grace through faith. David calls the saints "excellent ones." This designation portrays the Lord's people as noble or glorious. The New Testament calls believers in Christ "saints" (Ephesians 1:1).

The apostle John cites love of fellow believers as a proof of one's salvation. First John 2:10–11 states: "Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness." Jesus commanded believers to love one another, and this love mirrors His love. He said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" (John 13:34). He identified this love as evidence that believers are His disciples (John 13:35). David expresses his love for fellow believers, as well.

Psalm 16:1–4 rejoices in the Lord's protection. David asks God to keep him secure, and he tells the Lord he has nothing good apart from Him. David delights in the fellowship he enjoys with other believers. In contrast, he is determined not to associate with idolaters. David is certain that those who worship false gods will encounter an increasing number of sorrows.

David asks the Lord for protection, trusting in God as a safe place from enemies and evil. He confesses that apart from the Lord he has nothing good. This psalm exudes David's joy, using words such as "delight," "pleasant," "glad," "rejoices," "joy," and "pleasures." David celebrates his relationship with God. Because the Lord is with him always, David feels secure, even in the face of death. This is because his eternal destiny is assured. His celebration foreshadows the Messiah, who would conquer death and experience resurrection.

This psalm belongs with those expressing David's confidence in the Lord. Despite opposition, David knew God was guiding and protecting him. The psalm exudes joy as David places his trust in the Lord. Perhaps David wrote these words after the Lord gave His covenant to David (2 Samuel 7:1–17) and guaranteed David would have an everlasting throne. A phrase in verse 10 is often cited in the New Testament when discussing the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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 11/21/2024 11:55:13 AM