Psalms 16

The Lord’s Provision (vs 1-2)

The Lord’s protection

The psalmist references the Lord as his preserver. Anytime he faced danger he learned that he could take refuge in the Lord. This demonstrates his faith in the Lord’s ability to protect him.

We have the same opportunity. When circumstances come our way that pose a threat to our well-being we can take refuge in the Lord.

Prayer is the way we take refuge in the Lord. We can honestly express our concerns to the Lord and put our faith in His ability to protect us from our concerns.

The Lord’s Goodness

The psalmist recognizes that the Lord is good. He goes so far as to say that God is the only good in his life. This means that the psalmist has no reason to pursue any other god. The Lord is sufficient for him.

We must ask ourselves, “Is the Lord enough for us?” If the answer is no, then that which takes its place is an idol. We must find contentment and sufficiency in our relationship with the Lord!

The Lord’s Delight

The saints

The psalmist declares that the saints of the Lord are his delight. He loves those who love the Lord. He loves to spend time with people that pursue their relationship with the Lord.

We have this in the church today. You will find people that are pursuing their relationship with the Lord in the church. That is not to say that everyone that is in church is pursuing a relationship with Christ. However it is a pretty good indicator. You can tell a lot about a person by who they enjoy hanging out with. Do you love those who are growing in the Lord or those who are living for the world.

The ungodly

The psalmist writes that the sorrows of those who chose to follow idols will be multiplied. People who seek after the things of this world for satisfaction will always be disappointed. The things of this world were never meant to bring satisfaction. The disappointment of following idols leaves one confused and hopeless.

The Lord’s Blessing (vs 5-7)

The Lord’s Portion

The Lord’s portion is what He gives us. He has richly blessed all of us. We can be content in His portion. Philippians 4:11-12

Philippians 4:11–12 NASB95

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

Are you satisfied with the portion that the Lord has given you? Sometimes we are jealous because of others because they have more than us.

Secured Lot

What the Lord has determined to give you will not be taken away. He protects your provision.

Many people that have excess wealth are consumed with keeping it. They are afraid someone is going to try and take it. They have their security in themselves or their attorneys.

The Lord’s Boundaries

This gives the idea that the Lord is the one who determines how much you will receive in this life. The psalmists is grateful for what the Lord has given him. He says, “the lines have fallen in pleasant places. Indeed my heritage is beautiful to me.

The Lord’s Counsel

As wise as we believe we may be there are certain things that we do not know or how to solve. This is when we can lean into the Lord. He is the one who gives wisdom.

James 1:5 NASB95

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

The Lord gives wisdom to those who ask for it.

The Lord’s Faithfulness (vs 8-9)

The psalmist finds great comfort in the faithfulness of the Lord.

The Lord is continually before him. This means that the Lord always has watch over what is going on in your life. Nothing takes Him by surprise.

He is at his right hand. he will not be shaken. He has perfect trust in the Lord to do what is in accordance to His purpose.

His flesh will dwell securely. When we know that we are in the center of God’s will we know we are in a secure place.

The Lord’s Future Hope (vs 10-11)

Jesus Resurrection

The psalmist has hope in the Lord’s promise to resurrect the Messiah. He says that he will not abandon his soul to Sheol or let His Holy One see decay.

The Lord did not allow Jesus body to decay when he was placed in the tomb. As a matter of fact, He breathed life back into Jesus body. This is a reference to Jesus because David’s body and every one else saw decay at their death.

But that is not true of the second part of this verse, and it is this that makes it a remarkable prophecy of Jesus’ resurrection. That part says: “nor will you let your Holy One see decay.” When we die our bodies do decay, even if we are waiting for the resurrection. David’s body decayed. But the body of Jesus did not decay. God preserved Christ’s body from corruption while it was lying in the tomb and then breathed life back into it on Easter morning. And that is why the verse cannot apply to David or to any other mere human being—even though the rest of the psalm can—and why it is a prophecy of Jesus’ resurrection.

When Peter referred to the text he said, “Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay” (Acts 2:29–31).

Paul’s use of the text was even clearer. He said, “For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed. But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay” (Acts 13:36–37).

James Montgomery Boice, Psalms 1–41: An Expositional Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2005), 130–131.