Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET
PSALM 116
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 (Gen 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.
11. in my haste—literally, "terror," or "agitation," produced by his affliction (compare Psa 31:22).
12-14. These are modes of expressing acts of worship (compare Psa 116:4; Psa 50:14; Jon 2:9).
13. the cup of salvation—the drink offering which was part of the thank offering (Num 15:3-5).
14. now—(compare Psa 115:2). "Oh, that (I may do it)" in the presence, etc.
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.