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John Brown of Haddington’s Commentary on the PsalmsPsalm 116

Psalm 116 John Brown of Haddington

This is a psalm of thanksgiving, somewhat similar to the 18th, 30th, 40th, and 103rd; and represents, (1.) The psalmist’s great distress and danger, which had almost driven him to despair, ver. 3,10-11. (2.) The application he made to God by prayer, for relief; and his experience of God’s gracious kindness, in granting his requests, in hearing, pitying, and delivering him, ver. 1-2,4-6,8. (3.) His sincere and hearty resolutions, to make a grateful acknowledgment of God’s kindness; by loving him, ver. 1; continuing to call on him and receive from him, ver. 2,13,17; resting in him, ver. 7; walking before him as his devoted servant, ver. 9,16; public confession of God’s tender regard to him, ver. 12,15; and sincere and public paying of his vows to God, ver. 10-19.

While I sing, let me think, as before God, what of these blessings I have experienced what of these duties I have earnestly practised. If God hath redeemed me from the broken law; from the lowest hell; from the mouth of the infernal lion; and from the power of my corrupt lusts: then let my soul, and all that is within me, be stirred up to bless his holy name; and let me never lose the heart-animating impressions of his benefits.


Read or sing this psalm in the Scottish Psalter or the Bay Psalm Book.