DAWN

     Explanation: In Psalm 16 David calls upon, and exalts in, God's preserving power. The closing lines are Messianic and apply to the resurrection of Christ. The images above illustrate different aspects of the Psalm. I've selected the first image to represent the "pleasant places" (v. 6) into which God had brought David. The second and third images depict Christ's resurrection as viewed from inside the tomb and from without, respectively.

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: Acts 2:22-31. Acts 13:35-37. Messianic Psalms: Psalm 2. Psalm 8. Psalm 16. Psalm 22. Psalm 34. Psalm 35. Psalm 40. Psalm 41. Psalm 45. Psalm 68. Psalm 69. Psalm 89. Psalm 102. Psalm 109. Psalm 110. Psalm 118. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: General. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Genevan Psalter (Instrumental). Psalm 16 - #1. Psalm 16 - #2. Psalm 16 - #3. ]

     David begins his Psalm by asking God to preserve him. The Psalm closes with a similar and more specific thought, expressing David's confidence in being preserved from death and having fulness of joy at the right hand of God forevermore. This applies particularly to David's descendant, Christ, the Messiah, as shown by the following Scriptures: Acts 2:22-31 Acts 13:35-37 (1). The next verse has been interpreted in many ways, but it seems to mean that David acknowledges that he cannot enrich God; but he can be of benefit to those on the earth; and in the saints he takes great delight, showing that they are of benefit to him in that way also (2-3). By contrast, those who hasten after some other god and give offerings to him have multiple sorrows (4). But the LORD is David's portion. He maintains David's lot in life; and it is very pleasant (5-6). Therefore, David blesses the LORD for his counsel and his instruction day and night (7). He keeps the LORD before himself always; and he will not be moved because God is near (8). Therefore his heart is glad; he rejoices; and he has hope (9). And David closes with an expression of confidence that the LORD will not leave him in hell, nor will he allow him to see corruption. (10). Rather, the LORD will show him the path of life. And he will be in the presence of the LORD where there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. (11). As mentioned above, these final thoughts apply chiefly to the Messiah. However, since the Messiah will deliver all who trust in him into the same glory which he has (1 Corinthians 15), the blessings described also apply to David and to all who serve the Messiah in love.

Preserve me, O God:
for in thee do I put my trust.

² O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD,
Thou art my Lord:
my goodness extendeth not to thee;
³ But to the saints that are in the earth,
and to the excellent,
in whom is all my delight.

⁴ Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god:
their drink offerings of blood will I not offer,
nor take up their names into my lips.

⁵ The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance
and of my cup:
thou maintainest my lot.
⁶ The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places;
yea, I have a goodly heritage.

⁷ I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel:
my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
⁸ I have set the LORD always before me:
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
⁹ Therefore my heart is glad,
and my glory rejoiceth:
my flesh also shall rest in hope.

¹⁰ For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell;
neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
¹¹ Thou wilt shew me the path of life:
in thy presence is fulness of joy;
at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

* NOTE: On Opening and Closing Comments in the Psalms.
[Some commentators take the Psalm in Habakkuk 3 to be a standard model for the Psalms.
Habakkuk's Psalm begins with the name of the composer (Habakkuk) and a musical notation ("upon Shigionoth").
It closes with a dedication or a "send to" notice ("To the chief singer on my stringed instruments").
I have arranged similar material, where it is found in the Psalter, in accord with the model in Habakkuk.]