Add parallel Print Page Options

A special Davidic Psalm.[a]

Trust in the Face of Death

16 Keep me safe, God,
    for I take refuge in you.
I told the Lord,
    “You are my master,[b]
        I have nothing good apart from you.”
As for the saints that are in the land,
    they are noble, and all my delight is in them.
Those who hurry after another god[c] will have many sorrows;
    I will not present[d] their drink offerings of blood,
        nor will my lips speak[e] their names.
The Lord is my inheritance and my cup;
    you support my lot.
The boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places for me;
    truly, I have a beautiful heritage.
I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;
    indeed, my conscience instructs[f] me during the night.
I have set the Lord before me continuously;
    because he stands at my right hand, I will stand firm.[g]
Therefore, my heart is glad,
    my whole being[h] rejoices,
        and my body will dwell securely.
10 For you will not leave my soul in Sheol,[i]
    you will not allow your holy one to experience corruption.[j]

11 You cause me to know the path of life;
    in your presence is joyful abundance,
        at your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 16:1 The Heb. reads miktam
  2. Psalm 16:2 Lit. you are Adonai
  3. Psalm 16:4 The Heb. lacks god
  4. Psalm 16:4 Lit. pour out
  5. Psalm 16:4 Lit. lift up on my lips
  6. Psalm 16:7 Lit. thoughts instruct
  7. Psalm 16:8 Lit. not be shaken
  8. Psalm 16:9 Lit. glory
  9. Psalm 16:10 I.e. the realm of the dead
  10. Psalm 16:10 Lit. to see the Pit; i.e. the realm of punishment in the afterlife