Psalm 16:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.

NIV: Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,

NASB: Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely.

CSB: Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely.

NLT: No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.

KJV: Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

NKJV: Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope.

Because the Lord is always at David's right hand—symbolizing God's protection and support—he rejoices with everything he is (Mark 12:30). Even the thought of death does not disturb David. He believes the Lord will keep him secure even in the event of death (Psalm 16:10–11). David knows he will live so long as God intends him to (Psalm 39:4), and after that, he will still be guided and protected by the Lord.

Death naturally inspires fear, but Christian believers have reason not to be afraid. For those who put their faith in Christ, death is simply a transfer of the believer from earth to glory, from the presence of sin into the presence of the Savior. In 2 Corinthians 5:6–8, the apostle Paul writes: "So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord." In Philippians 1:21 he testifies: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

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 5/7/2024 11:12:31 PM