Psalm 16 (World English Bible)
1 Preserve me, God, for I take refuge in you.
2 My soul, you have said to Yahweh, “You are my Lord. Apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.
4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who give gifts to another god. Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, nor take their names on my lips.
5 Yahweh assigned my portion and my cup. You made my lot secure.
6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places. Yes, I have a good inheritance.
7 I will bless Yahweh, who has given me counsel. Yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons.
8 I have set Yahweh always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices. My body shall also dwell in safety.
10 For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption.
11 You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.
Background and Related Details for Psalm 16
Authorship and Context:
Psalm 16 is a psalm of David, described in its title as a “Miktam” (a term whose exact meaning is uncertain, but possibly referring to a type of musical or literary style, or “golden” psalm). This psalm is one of trust and confidence in God. David acknowledges Yahweh as his sole source of refuge, goodness, and joy. It reflects a deep relationship with God and unwavering faith in His guidance and promises.
Themes:
- Trust in God as Refuge: David declares his trust in God as his protector (v. 1).
- God as the Source of Goodness: David emphasizes that all good things come from God (v. 2).
- Rejection of Idolatry: He distances himself from the worship of other gods (v. 4).
- Inheritance and Contentment: David recognizes God as his inheritance and his portion, delighting in His blessings (v. 5–6).
- Guidance and Security: God provides counsel and keeps David secure (v. 7–8).
- Hope in Eternal Life: Verses 9–11 speak prophetically, pointing to a hope beyond death, and these verses are later applied to Jesus in the New Testament.
Prophetic Fulfillment in Christ:
Psalm 16:10 (“For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption”) is cited in the New Testament by Peter (Acts 2:25–31) and Paul (Acts 13:35–37) as a prophecy fulfilled in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This verse is understood as a foreshadowing of Christ’s victory over death.
Prayer Inspired by Psalm 16
Heavenly Father,
I take refuge in You, for You are my Lord, and apart from You, I have no good thing. Thank You for being my portion and inheritance, for securing my future, and for leading me along the path of life. I bless You for Your counsel and guidance in the darkest nights. My heart is glad, and my soul rejoices because I trust in Your promises. You will never abandon me, and in Your presence, I find fullness of joy and eternal pleasures. Lord, strengthen my faith to always set You before me and to rest in the hope of life everlasting. Amen. 🙏✨
5 Questions to Test Your Understanding of Psalm 16
- What does David mean when he says, “Apart from you I have no good thing” (v. 2)?
- How does David contrast the worship of Yahweh with the practices of idol worshippers (v. 4)?
- What does David mean by “The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places” (v. 6)?
- How does Psalm 16:10 point to Jesus Christ, and how is it referenced in the New Testament?
- What does David say about God’s presence and its effect on his life in verse 11?
Is Psalm 16 Referenced in the New Testament?
Yes, Psalm 16 is explicitly referenced in the New Testament. Both Peter and Paul quote it to affirm the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
- Acts 2:25–31 (Peter’s Sermon): Peter quotes Psalm 16:8–11 during his sermon at Pentecost to demonstrate that David was speaking prophetically about the Messiah, whose body would not see decay and who would be raised to life.
- Acts 13:35–37 (Paul’s Sermon): Paul also quotes Psalm 16:10 to argue that Jesus, unlike David, did not see corruption because God raised Him from the dead.
These references underscore how early Christians viewed Psalm 16 as messianic and pointing directly to Jesus’ resurrection.