Psalm 116 - Resolve to Worship

The fourth of the Hallel psalms describe the personal experiences of the author. He had been in very difficult circumstances, and he had called earnestly on the Lord. God had listened intently to him (inclined his ear) and granted his request. Therefore he would pray throughout life. His prayer, as we can see from verse 4, was short, straightforward, and energetic (saying ‘O Lord’ tells us that). Providence, especially in answered prayer, had increased his love for the Lord (vv. 1-4).

Why did the Lord help him? It was not because the psalmist deserved it. Instead, the reason is found in the character of God – he is gracious, righteous and merciful. We may find it surprising that the psalmist should mention God’s righteousness because as a sinner he would have known that he should have been punished by God. But he also knew that the Lord’s anger at sin had been met by an atoning sacrifice, and that the Lord would therefore be faithful to his many promises. When he describes himself as simple, he does not mean that he is stupid. Basically, to be simple means to take God at his word (vv. 5-6).

Since God had been so gracious to him, he had discovered spiritual rest and comfort. He had been prevented from falling into sin with its dire sorrowful effects. Now he could move around, conscious that he was always in the Lord’s presence, aware that his God was favourable to him (vv. 7-9). In verses 10-11, he describes what his problem had been. Other people had proved unreliable. But he had discovered that God was faithful.

What could the psalmist do in response to the Lord’s faithfulness and kindness to him? He would participate in public worship at the temple and renew his commitment to God in a manner that others would see. Of course, he would not be the only person doing so, which means that he would not be drawing attention to himself. In fact, the way to draw attention to himself would be by not participating (vv. 12-14).

It is not clear why he refers to the death of believers in verse 15. Perhaps he had been thinking of his mother because he mentions her in verse 16. Whatever the reason, he knew that the Lord valued highly their deaths as they went into his presence.

In verses 17-19, he restates his determination to participate in acts of public worship. And at Passover time, there would be hundreds of thousands of others doing the same, and even singing his words.