Psalm 16:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.

NIV: Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips.

NASB: The pains of those who have acquired another god will be multiplied; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, Nor will I take their names upon my lips.

CSB: The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves will multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips.

NLT: Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods.

KJV: Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.

NKJV: Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god; Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, Nor take up their names on my lips.

Contrast between believers and unbelievers is a running theme in Scripture. In the prior verse, David expressed delight in the saints (Psalm 16:3), but here he refuses to participate in false faiths. Although Israel was called to be holy as a nation, not everyone in the land was holy. Many were idolaters. They worshiped "another god" and performed drink offerings to these false deities. David predicts they will experience an increasing number of sorrows.

Although New Testament believers are commanded to demonstrate love for unbelievers (Matthew 5:44; 22:36–40), they must not love their sin (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Second Corinthians distinguishes believers as the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16). As such, believers must not become "unequally yoked with unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14). The same passage commands believers: "Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them" (2 Corinthians 6:17).

Although Lot was a believer, he chose to form close ties with the wicked Sodomites (Genesis 13:12–13). He moved into Sodom and rose to prominence there, but ultimately lost everything he possessed when God judged Sodom (Genesis 19:15–16). He was fortunate not to join the ultimate end of those whose "sorrows…shall multiply."

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.