Psalm 116

Psalm 116 is the 116th psalm of the biblical Book of Psalms,[1] and the fourth psalm in the “Egyptian Hallel”.[2] In the slightly different numbering system in the Greek Septuagint version of the bible, and in its Latin translation, the Vulgate, this psalm is numbered as Psalm 114 and Psalm 115.

This article uses Hebrew (Masoretic) psalm numbering. Psalm 116 in Greek (Septuagint or Vulgate) numbering corresponds to Psalm 117 in Hebrew numbering.
Scroll of the Psalms

Language

Psalm 116 is without a title in the Hebrew.[3] The psalm was translated into the Greek Septuagint (about 250BC) in Hellenistic Egypt. There is a presence of Aramaisms in the psalm which has been interpreted by some biblical commentators as evidence of a late date,[4] although this is not definitive. The psalm draws heavily from other psalms, so much so that the German commentator Hermann Hupfeld called it a "patched-up psalm".[5]

Structure

Some Christian churches follow the chapter divisions based on Septuagint, where verses 1-9 are Psalm 114 and verses 10-19 are Psalm 115.

In the Hebrew, Psalm 116 (116 תְּהִלִּים) is an acrostic poem. It begins with (אָהַבְתִּי כִּי יִשְׁמַע יְהוָה אֶת קוֹלִי תַּחֲנוּנָי) (I love that the LORD should hear my voice and my supplications).[6] The psalm is one of the so-called Egyptian Hallel prayers.

Theme

It is a question of the praise of the Lord by all peoples. The second verse expresses the reason for the first verse: the goodness of the Lord has been experienced in the past, and his faithfulness will last forever. If we take into consideration the whole book of psalms, we see that this psalm seems to sum up and conclude all the psalms of the hallel, and even all the preceding psalms from Psalm 107 onwards, for they invite Israel and all nations to praise "Eternal".

Authorship

Theodoret applies this psalm to the distresses of the Jews in the times of the Maccabees under Antiochus Epiphanes[7][8] while a small minority ascribe it to Hezekiah's, sickness recorded in Isaiah 38.[9] However, most commentators today ascribe it to King David. If David were the author, it is not certain whether it was composed upon any particular occasion,[10] or "upon a general review of the many gracious deliverances God had wrought for him".[11] The Syriac Church holds it was written on the occasion of Saul coming to the cave where David was hiding.[12]

Uses

Judaism
The Tosher Rebbe of Montreal, Quebec, Canada shaking the four species during Sukkot while praying Hallel.
  • This psalm is one of six psalms (113-118) of which Hallel is composed. On all days when Hallel is recited, this psalm is recited in its entirety, except on Rosh Chodesh and the last six days of Passover, when only verses 1-11 are recited.[13] The word hallel means "praise". Since ancient times, the Egyptian Hallel has been used in the celebration of Passover.[14]
  • Verse 13 is part of Havdalah.[15]

New Testament

Verse 10 of the Psalm was quoted by Saint Paul in 2 Corinthians 2 Corinthians 4:13.[16][17]

Syriac Christianity

The Syriac church applies it to converts coming into the church.[18]

Roman Catholic

The Psalm has been used as public Prayer by Pope John Paul II, who called it a "Prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord".[19][20] The Psalm is used in the Rule of St. Benedict.[21][22] However, Psalm 117 is now read in the Liturgy of the Hours.[23]

Protestant Christianity

Matthew Henry calls it a thanksgiving psalm,[24] while Charles Spurgeon saw it as "A Psalm of Thanksgiving in the Person of Christ".[25] David Dickson, wrote "This Psalm is a threefold engagement of the Psalmist unto thanksgiving unto God, for his mercy unto him, and in particular for some notable delivery of him from death, both bodily and spiritual.

Musical settings

City motto
Pro Tanto Quid Retribuamus, Belfast city motto

The city of Belfast, Northern Ireland has as its motto Pro Tanto Quid Retribuamus, the Vulgate translation of Ps 116:12 ("what shall we give in return for so much?" or "What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me?")

Notable Verses
  • Verse 11, "In my haste I said all men are liars", can be read as an early statement of the liar paradox.

This verse has also been translated "I said in my fear, Every man is a liar." and "In an ecstasy of despair, I said, the whole race of man is a delusion." Some take the word חפז, (chaphaz) to denote haste or flight rather than fear. Samuel Horsley translates the verse as "an ecstasy of despair".[26]

  • I will sacrifice the sacrifices of praise
  • The cup of salvation this phrase has been used by Catholics as prophetic of the eucharist. While some see this as similar to the modern Jewish ceremony held every year in commemoration of the deliverance of their ancestors from the bondage of Egypt. Others see this portion as reference to morning drink offering in Solomon's temple under Mosaic law (Numbers 28:7), inferring the writer is now making an offering of thanks for being delivered. Others think the verse may have inspired Jesus [27] at the last supper, or Paul's "cup of blessing".[28]

References
  1. Derek Kidner, Psalms 73–150, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1975), 411.
  2. William D. Barrick, Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs:The Master Musician’s Melodies. (Placerita Baptist Church, 2007).
  3. Calvin's Commentaries, Vol. 11: Psalms, Part IV, at sacred-texts.com
  4. Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible.
  5. Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible.
  6. Psalm 116 text.
  7. psalm 116, John Gill’s Commentary of the Whole Bible.
  8. John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible.
  9. Calvin's Commentaries, Vol. 11: Psalms, Part IV, at sacred-texts.com
  10. Jerome Creach, Commentary on Psalm 116
  11. Henry, M., Psalm 116, Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible
  12. Adam Clarkes Bible Commentary - Psalms 116]
  13. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 636
  14. Jerome Creach, Commentary on Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19.
  15. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 619
  16. Kirkpatrick, A. F. (1901). The Book of Psalms: with Introduction and Notes. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges. Book IV and V: Psalms XC-CL. Cambridge: At the University Press. p. 840. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  17. Pope John Paul II’s Commentary/Meditation on Psalm 116:10-19
  18. John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible.
  19. Pope John Paul II’s Commentary/Meditation on Psalm 116:10-19.
  20. Commentary on Psalm 116.
  21. D’après le Complete Artscroll Siddur, compilation des prières juives.
  22. traduction de Prosper Guéranger, Règle de saint Benedîct, Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Solesmes, réimpression 2007) p. 47,
  23. The main cycle of liturgical prayers takes place over four weeks.
  24. Psalm 116, Matthew Henry's Commentary.
  25. Charles H. Spurgeon, Psalm 116, Treasury of David.
  26. Calvin's Commentaries, Vol. 11: Psalms, Part IV, footnote 378, at sacred-texts.com
  27. Luke 22:17
  28. 1 Corinthians 10:16
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