Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 116

The word Hallelujah! is repeated throughout this group of psalms.

These psalms are called the Egyptian Hallel. Hallel means “praise.” Jewish people use these psalms during Passover, which began when God brought Israel out of Egypt in the exodus. The people recite Psalms 113–114 before the Passover meal, and Psalms 115–118 are recited afterward.

This song of thanksgiving rejoices in God’s character and in rescue from death (Psalm 116:1–11). It gives an assurance of God’s protection in life and reminds the godly that the Lord watches over them even at death. The psalmist commits to living as God’s servant and resolves to honor him publicly (Psalm 116:12–19).

The psalmist praises the Lord for answering his prayers and rescuing him from death.

I love the LORD: This unique opening expresses affection for and commitment to the Lord (see Psalm 18:1; Deuteronomy 6:5) on the basis of what the Lord has done.

Because the Lord responds to the cry of his people(Psalm 107:41; 113:6–8), the psalmist now strongly believes in prayer.

It is not clear if the psalmist’s crisis was a literal near-death experience or if he was using the term figuratively.

This is the first of three times that the psalmist calls on the Lord’s name (which represents God's reputation).

The gracious, righteous, and compassionate Lord (see Psalm 111:1–5) rescued and gave rest to the psalmist.

People with childlike faith readily receive God's wisdom and instruction (Psalm 19:7–11; Matthew 18:3–4).

The psalmist’s near-death crisis made him more aware of life and of walking before the Lord. Though he had suffered, the Lord was faithful. However, people are all liars.

I will walk before the LORD: The psalmist lived with integrity. After experiencing deep distress, he now enjoys open fellowship with the Lord (see Psalm 56:13; compare Job 42:5).

I believed: Paul quotes this phrase in 2 Corinthians 4:13.

• The Lord’s gracious gifts are so great that the psalmist can do nothing to repay his debt. Keeping his promises publicly demonstrates his gratitude.

• All he has done for the psalmist includes answers to prayer, rescue, and life.

• The cup of salvation overflows with God’s blessings (Psalm 23:5), unlike the cup of judgment (75:8).

• The psalmist makes vows (Psalm 116:18) to praise the Lord publicly (116:17–18).

No one lives or dies outside of God’s will. Having been given a second chance at life, the poet readily commits himself to the Lord with renewed acts of public devotion.