Chronicles of a Journeyman

Psalm 16

In this prophetic psalm prefiguring the resurrection of the Messiah, we see David identify with the LORD (YHWH) as his Lord, recognize His sufficiency for him, and confidently express hope for future redemption and restoration to the LORD’s presence.

1-4: Identification with the LORD and His people

David prays for the LORD’s protection because the LORD is the only One He has to depend on. He expresses his delight in the LORD’s people and his commitment to never going after any other god, neither calling on them nor sacrificing to them.

5-6: Recognition of the LORD’s sufficiency

He describes the LORD as his source and his heritage, expressing complete delight in Him

7-11: Future Redemption by the LORD

Next, David speaks about the future, professing confidence in the LORD’s instruction, preservation, redemption, and restoration. Because he has put his trust in the LORD, he is confident he will neither be moved nor left to corruption. 

David’s confident hope is ours to rejoice in, who have now received in full what he had as a hope. Our Messiah has risen from the dead, not left to decay but raised back to life eternal and paving the way for us to be raised to new life and brought into the LORD’s presence through faith in Him.