Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 16

A Precious Psalm of Confidence and DevotionThis psalm is called a Michtam, which means "a golden psalm"—it is very valuable, even more than gold. It is special because it points clearly to Christ and His resurrection. The truths in this psalm are treasures hidden in the Old Testament. David shows his trust in God, his dedication to God, and his love for God’s people. He rejects idols and finds true joy in choosing God as his portion. This psalm teaches us to put our hope in God alone, to love His people, and to be thankful for the blessings God gives us, both now and forever.v. 1: David begins by asking God for protection: Preserve me, O God, for in you do I put my trust . He is confident that God can keep him safe from harm and from sin. Those who trust God, and let Him guide their lives, can hope for His help. This verse also points to Christ, who prayed, Father, save me from this hour (John 12:27 ), fully trusting God to deliver Him.

v. 2: David reminds himself that he has chosen the Lord

v. 3: David says his goodness is not for God, who is already perfect, but for God’s people: My goodness extends not to You; but to the saints who are on the earth (Psalm 16:2, 3 ). We cannot add anything to God’s greatness, but we can do good to His people. The saints on earth are precious and excellent because God has made them so. If God is ours, we should care for other believers and show kindness to them. David, even as a king, was a friend to all who feared God (Psalm 119:63 ). Our love for God should lead to love and help for His people. Christ also delighted in the saints, even with their weaknesses (John 17:19 ).

v. 4: David refuses to worship idols or join with idol worshipers. He warns that those who chase after other gods will have their sorrows multiplied . Idol worship only brings trouble and disappointment. David will not join in their sacrifices or even speak the names of false gods. He wants nothing to do with them. We should also hate idolatry and avoid anything that dishonors God. This verse can also point to Christ, whose sacrifice was not like the old sacrifices of blood, and who saw the sadness of those who reject the true God.

v. 5: David repeats his choice of God as his portion: The Lord

v. 6: David is confident that God will protect his share: You maintain my lot (Psalm 16:5 ). God has promised to be his, and God will keep that promise. No enemy can take away what God has given. God’s people and their blessings are kept safe by God’s power.

v. 7: David rejoices in his portion and is thankful: The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a goodly heritage (Psalm 16:6 ). Having God as his portion is better than anything else. He is satisfied with God’s love and does not envy others. People who have God have every reason to be happy and thankful.

Prophecy Relating to the Messiah; Sufferings and Consequent Glory of ChristThese verses are quoted by Peter in his sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:25-28 ). Peter explains that David was speaking about Christ, especially His resurrection. While David also shows his own hope in God, the words go beyond his life. They predict the Messiah’s suffering and glory. The New Testament helps us understand these verses as a prophecy about Jesus. This is part of how the Old Testament foretells Christ’s death and resurrection (1 Peter 1:11 ).v. 8: David writes, I have set the Lord

v. 9: The psalm says, Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope . Jesus could face suffering with joy because He trusted God. His heart was glad, and He spoke with hope. The “flesh” here means His body. Jesus would die, but He was sure His body would rest in hope and not stay dead. He looked forward to resurrection, knowing God would not leave Him in the grave.For David, this verse expresses his joy and confidence in God’s care. His heart is glad, and he rejoices because he knows God is his refuge. Even his body, or “flesh,” rests securely, trusting in God’s promises. This verse encourages us to find joy and peace in God’s faithfulness, knowing that He is always with us and will never abandon us.

v. 10: The verse says, For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption . This means Jesus’ soul would not stay separated from His body for long. His body would not decay like other people’s bodies. Jesus was perfectly holy and did not deserve death, so God raised Him on the third day before His body could rot (Acts 2:31 ). This was different from everyone else, because only Jesus was truly without sin.

v. 11: The psalm ends, You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11 ). God showed Jesus the way to eternal life through resurrection. Jesus was welcomed into God’s presence and given glory and joy forever. His suffering led to great reward—not just for Himself, but for all who follow Him. Jesus now enjoys perfect happiness with God, and He will share this joy with His people (Isaiah 53:11 ).These verses can also encourage all Christians. We should always keep the Lord