What does Psalm 16:10 mean?
ESV: For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.
NIV: because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
NASB: For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; You will not allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.
CSB: For you will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful one to see decay.
NLT: For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
KJV: For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
NKJV: For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
Verse Commentary:
One thousand years before Jesus died on the cross, David predicted Jesus' resurrection. He prophesied that the Lord would not abandon Jesus' soul in sheol, the vague Hebrew concept of afterlife. Further, the Lord would not allow Jesus, the "holy one," to undergo corruption. In his address to the Jews on the Day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter applied the words of this verse to Jesus' resurrection (Acts 2:22–32). Paul quoted Psalm 16:10 at Antioch (Acts 13:35–37).
Jesus arose in a glorified body, one that was incapable of dying. He was able to eat food and appear in a locked room (Luke 24:28–42). He arose the third day after His crucifixion and was seen by Peter, the Twelve, 500 hundred believers, James, all the apostles, and Paul (1 Corinthians 15:3– 8). Romans 4:24–25 affirms that God "raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification." Because Jesus lives, every believer will live also (John 11:25).
Verse Context:
Psalm 16:9–11 is the closing segment of David's praise. He expresses joy in believing that not even death will separate him from fellowship with the Lord. He will survive death and enjoy unending pleasure in the Lord's presence. Although these verses have application to David, they are also messianic; they foreshadow Jesus' resurrection from the grave.
Chapter Summary:
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.
Chapter Context:
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.
Book Summary:
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.
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