Old Testament
Psalms 16
Overview
Psalm 16 is a psalm of confident trust in which David takes refuge in God as his only good, his chosen portion, and his secure inheritance. He delights in the company of the saints, rejects the idolatry of those who run after other gods, and finds that "the lines have fallen for me in pleasant places." The psalm rises to a triumphant climax: God will not abandon his soul to Sheol or let his Holy One see corruption, but will show him the path of life and fullness of joy in his presence.
1A Poem by David. Preserve me, God, for I take refuge in you.
2My soul, you have said to Yahweh, “You are my Lord. Apart from you I have no good thing.”
3As for the saints who are on the earth, they are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.
4Their 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.
5Yahweh assigned my portion and my cup. You made my lot secure.
6The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places. Yes, I have a good inheritance.
7I will bless Yahweh, who has given me counsel. Yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons.
8I have set Yahweh always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices. My body shall also dwell in safety.
10For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption.
11You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forever more.