3, 4. For similar figures for distress see
Ps 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,"
Ps 11:1; 16:10)
of rest and peace. All calamities
[Ps 116:8]
are represented by death, tears, and falling of the feet
(Ps 56:13).
9. walk before the Lord--act, or live under His favor and guidance
(Ge 17:1;
Ps 61:7).
land of the living--
(Ps 27:13).
10, 11. Confidence in God opposed to distrust of men, as not reliable
(Ps 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
Ps 31:22).
Psalm 116 Bible Commentary
Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown
1, 2. A truly grateful love will be evinced by acts of worship, which calling on God expresses (Ps 116:13; Ps 55:16; 86:7; compare Ps 17:6; 31:2).
3, 4. For similar figures for distress see Ps 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," Ps 11:1; 16:10) of rest and peace. All calamities [Ps 116:8] are represented by death, tears, and falling of the feet (Ps 56:13).
9. walk before the Lord--act, or live under His favor and guidance (Ge 17:1; Ps 61:7).
land of the living-- (Ps 27:13).
10, 11. Confidence in God opposed to distrust of men, as not reliable (Ps 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 Ps 31:22).
12-14. These are modes of expressing acts of worship (compare Ps 116:4; Ps 50:14; Jon 2:9).
13. the cup of salvation--the drink offering which was part of the thank offering (Nu 15:3-5).
14. now--(compare Ps 115:2). "Oh, that (I may do it)" in the presence, &c.
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.