READ: Ps. 16:1–11: … O God, preserve me, for in You I put my trust … O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup … I have set the LORD always before me … For You will not leave my soul in Sheol … You will show me the path of life …
This Psalm of David is a “precious gem” or “mystery.” David sings about the depth and richness of his trust in the LORD. Once again he finds himself in a difficult situation. He asks the LORD for preservation and knows himself to be safe with Him.
The translation of verse 2 in the 1951 Dutch Bible (NBG51) seems better than that of the NKJV: “I have no good apart from You.” This corresponds with Ps. 73:25: “Whom have I in heaven but You? There is none upon earth that I desire besides You.”
Verse 3 also applies to the saints and the “excellent ones” (or the upright, the chosen), “in whom is all my delight.” David knows himself to be united with the faithful remnant in seeking all good in the LORD alone.
This stands in contrast to the suffering and misfortune that comes upon idolaters as punishment from the LORD (second commandment). David wants nothing to do with their idolatrous practices (v.4).
Instead, he regards the LORD Himself as his only portion and cup: from Him alone he expects his livelihood and everything needed to fulfill his calling in the service of the LORD (v.5). Therefore, his life with the LORD God on earth is good and the future inheritance is even far better. David is content and joyful with what the LORD gives and promises him (cf. Heb. 13:5–6).
For the fulfillment of his tasks, which the LORD gives him as His anointed, he continually needs the counsel and guidance of the LORD Himself (vs.7ff). For this he must meditate on His Word; he even does so at night. The LORD is never out of his thoughts! This too gives him great joy. Thus he knows himself always safe and strengthened in the LORD, whatever may happen
For David this is an additional reason for continual joy in the LORD, even unto the grave (v.10). Here he speaks prophetically with reference to the grave of his great Son, Christ (Acts 2:25–31). This gives David even greater joy, because Christ will also open for him the path to eternal life with God.
Do our thoughts continually go out to the Lord?
Singing: Ps. 16:1,3,5