1
I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
2
Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
3
The cords of death compassed me, and the pains of the grave came upon me; I found trouble and sorrow.
4
Then called I upon the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.”
5
Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
6
The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
7
Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
8
For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9
I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
10
I believed, therefore have I spoken: “I was greatly afflicted.”
11
I said in my haste: “All men are liars.”
12
What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
13
I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
14
I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
15
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
16
O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
17
I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
18
I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people,
19
a in the courts of the LORD’s house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD!
🕊️🙏📖 Summary of Psalm 116 – “Thanksgiving for Deliverance from Death”
Psalm 116 is a deeply personal psalm of thanksgiving. The psalmist expresses heartfelt love and gratitude because the Lord heard his cry, saved his life from death, and brought his soul back to rest.
This psalm is also part of the Hallel (Psalms 113–118) sung at Passover — making it very likely that Jesus sang it shortly before the crucifixion (Mark 14:26).
📌 1. The Lord Hears and Delivers (verses 1–4)
➡️ “I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice…”
➡️ The psalmist was in distress and near death, then cried out:
“O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.”
🎯 Love for the Lord grows out of personal experience of his help.
📌 2. The Lord Is Gracious and Righteous (verses 5–7)
➡️ “Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.”
➡️ The Lord preserveth the simple, and brings the soul back to rest.
🎯 When all seems dark, the Lord’s steadfast love brings peace and relief.
📌 3. Delivered from Death and Falling (verses 8–11)
➡️ “Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.”
➡️ He walks before the Lord even after despair and distrust of men.
🎯 The Lord saves completely: soul, tears, and the path of life.
📌 4. Response: Faith and Thanksgiving (verses 12–19)
➡️ “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?”
➡️ The answer:
“I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.”
➡️ He vows, and offers thanksgiving before the congregation.
➡️ “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”
🎯 True thanksgiving is not only felt — it is shown in worship and in a life that pleases God.
📖 Main Lessons
- The Lord hears and helps when his people cry out
- Our God is gracious, merciful, and righteous
- He saves wholly: body, soul, emotions, and future
- Thanksgiving must be shown in action, offering, and worship
- The Lord cares for the death of his people — even in the face of death, we are not alone
✨ Spiritual Meaning (New Testament)
📖 2 Corinthians 1:10
“Who delivered us from so great a death…”
➡️ As with the psalmist, Paul acknowledges that deliverance from death comes from the Lord.
📖 Luke 22:17–20
Jesus lifted the cup at the Last Supper.
➡️ “Taking the cup of salvation” in Psalm 116:13 is a symbolic prophecy of the cross.
📖 Philippians 1:21
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
➡️ Psalm 116:15 — “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”
📖 Hebrews 13:15
“Let us offer the sacrifice of praise…”
➡️ The response of worship is an important part of salvation.
🕊️ “I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice.” – Psalm 116:1
🕊️ “Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.” – Psalm 116:5
🕊️ “Thou hast delivered my soul from death.” – Psalm 116:8
🕊️ “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” – Psalm 116:15
