Psalms 116 · Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
PSALM 116 Psa 116:1-19 . The writer celebrates the deliverance from extreme perils by which he was favored, and pledges grateful and pious public acknowledgments. 1-2. A truly grateful love will be evinced by acts of worship, which calling on God expresses ( Psa 116:13 ; Psa 55:16 ; 86:7 ; compare Psa 17:6 ; 31:2 ).
3-4. For similar figures for distress see Psa 18:4 , 5 . gat hold upon me-- Another sense ("found") of the same word follows, as we speak of disease finding us, and of our finding or catching disease.
5-8. The relief which he asked is the result not of his merit, but of God's known pity and tenderness, which is acknowledged in assuring himself (his "soul," Psa 11:1 ; 16:10 ) of rest and peace. All calamities [Psa 116:8] are represented by death, tears, and falling of the feet ( Psa 56:13 ).
9. walk before the Lord-- act, or live under His favor and guidance ( Ge 17:1 ; Psa 61:7 ). land of the living-- ( Psa 27:13 ).
10-11. Confidence in God opposed to distrust of men, as not reliable ( Psa 68:8 , 9 ). He speaks from an experience of the result of his faith.
12-14. These are modes of expressing acts of worship (compare Psa 116:4 ; Psa 50:14 ; Jon 2:9 ).
15-16. By the plea of being a homeborn servant, he intimates his claim on God's covenant love to His people.
17-19. An ampler declaration of his purpose, designating the place, the Lord's house, or earthly residence in Jerusalem.