Psalm 16:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

NIV: You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

NASB: You will make known to me the way of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

CSB: You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.

NLT: You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

KJV: Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

NKJV: You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Closing his psalm, David thanks the Lord for showing him the way of life that leads to heaven. There is nothing drab or boring about heaven. It is a place of fullness of joy and unending delights. The greatest joy comes from being in Jesus' presence. First Thessalonians 4:17 promises that believers will be with the Lord forever. We will see Him face to face, and we will be like Him (1 John 3:2). Every believer will have a body like His glorified body (Philippians 3:20–21). In heaven we will be free forever from sin, sickness, sadness, and dying. We will enjoy a reunion with our Christian loved ones and friends. We will not be burdened by our present experiences of restricted time and space.

Heaven is an attractive place. Revelation 21—22 describes it as far beyond the glories of any place on earth. It has gates of pearl and streets of gold. Paul, who was caught up to heaven, calls it "paradise" (2 Corinthians 12:2–3). Even when death seems likely (Psalm 16:8–10), those who have put their faith in Christ can look forward with hope and joy.

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.

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 5/2/2024 1:17:15 PM