Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 16:7
I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
7. given me counsel ] Taught me to choose Him and to follow Him. Cp. Psa 32:8 (R.V.); Psa 73:24.
my reins also &c.] This clause may be taken as still depending on I will bless the Lord, and rendered, yea, that in the night seasons my reins have instructed me. In the quiet hours of the night God admonishes and instructs him through the voice of conscience. Cp. Psa 4:4; Psa 17:3. The reins stand for the organs of emotion, the feelings and conscience. ‘Heart and reins’ denote the whole innermost self, thought and will (Psa 7:9).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
7, 8. The mutual relation of the Psalmist and Jehovah.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
I will bless the Lord, who hath given the counsel – Probably the reference here is to the fact that the Lord had counseled him to choose him as his portion, or had inclined him to his service. There is nothing for which a heart rightly affected is more disposed to praise God than for the fact that by his grace it has been inclined to serve him; and the time when the heart was given away to God is recalled ever onward as the happiest period of life.
My reins … – See the notes at Psa 7:9. The reins are here put for the mind, the soul. They were regarded as the seat of the affections, Jer 11:20; Job 19:27. The meaning here is, that in the wakeful hours of night, when meditating on the divine character and goodness, he found instruction in regard to God. Compare Psa 17:3. Everything then is favorable for reflection. The natural calmness and composure of the mind; the stillness of night; the starry heavens; the consciousness that we are alone with God, and that no human eye is upon us – all these things are favorable to profound religious meditation. They who are kept wakeful by night need not find this an unprofitable portion of their lives. Some of the most instructive hours of life are those which are spent when the eyes refuse to close themselves in slumber, and when the universal stillness invites to contemplation on divine things.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Psa 16:7
My reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
Man taking counsel of his reins
The ancients regarded the reins, or kidneys, located in a retired part of the body, as the seat of the moral and spiritual sentiments, especially of the intuitional convictions, in distinction from those which have been acquired from philosophy or the experience of others. To be instructed by ones reins is therefore to give heed to the voice of the soul itself.
1. The soul articulates itself in conscience, which gives wiser counsel regarding duty than any court of casuistry; in the sense of God, which men cannot divest themselves of, as even Rousseau confesses, Keep your life such as would lead you to desire that there should be a just God, and you will have no doubt of His existence; in the vital instinct, which predicts immortality, etc. Infidelity would be impossible if men would take the counsel of their own reins. In the silent depths of the soul the echoes of Gods voice are always sounding.
2. We will hear these echoes best when all is quiet about us–the janglings of the busy day ceased. The soul expands towards the infinite when the narrow arena of earthly competitions disappears, as the stars show themselves when darkness has blotted out the scenes on earth.
3. The best interpreter of the counsel of the reins is the Word of God. It reveals us to ourselves. Of Jesus it was said that He knew what was in man. Francis Quarles (1644) represents God as saying–
I, that alone am Infinite, can try
How deep within itself thine heart doth lie;
Thy seamans plummet can but reach the ground–
I find that which thy heart itself neer found.
(Homiletic Review.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Psa 16:7-8
I will bless the Lord who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
The night counsels of the Lord
Under whatever circumstances the Lord gives His people counsel, they will find reason to bless His holy name. Well does this Psalm bear the title of Michtam–that is, a golden Psalm. Note–
I. The kind of counsel given to the believer. It was, that by no arguments, however specious or however backed by circumstances, should he be diverted from faithful allegiance to God. There were many such arguments. Saul tried to draw him off from God. David tells how they have driven me out this day from the inheritance of the Lord, saying, Go serve other gods. But the Lords counsel, was, Wait on the Lord and be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart. Now, the Lord gives similar counsel to all His people. David was a representative man. The transcript of his feelings forms a commonplace book for all Gods servants in which they may find a counterpart of their own. As David was, so are they, anointed of the Lord. As Saul persecuted David, so Satan persecutes them, and seeks to make them do despite to the Spirit of grace.
II. The times and circumstances under which this counsel is frequently sought and obtained. It is night counsel, My reins (thoughts) also instruct me in, etc. The night seems to be no uncommon time for communications to pass between God and His people. David seems to have had frequent experience of this. I remembered Thee upon my bed, etc. When the sense of responsibility comes upon a young man and the weight of care is felt, often, though fatigued with the toil of the day, will he at night think seriously and long over his position and its needs. Sometimes he can say, as in Psa 77:1-20, Thou boldest mine eyes waking; I am so troubled that I cannot sleep, etc. And often his meditations are very gloomy–Will the Lord cast off forever, and will He be favourable no more? And after more of this there comes the telling of the Lords sympathy, I said this is mine infirmity, but I will remember, etc. He says again and again, I will, I will remember, I will meditate. It was difficult, but he was determined. And here he says, I will thank the Lord, who hath given me counsel. And our blessed Lord had His night conflicts–He was in all points made like unto His brethren. And He was heard in that He feared. Let us copy His example–do what He did, and you, too, shall find counsel. (T. E. Hankinson, M. A.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 7. Who hath given me counsel] Jesus, as man, received all his knowledge and wisdom from God; Lu 2:40-52. And in him were hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
My reins also instruct me] kilyothai, reins or kidneys, which from their retired situation in the body, says Parkhurst, and being hidden in fat, are often used in Scripture for the most secret workings and affections of the heart.
The kidneys and their fat were always to be burnt in sacrifice, to indicate that the most secret purposes and affections of the soul are to be devoted to God.
In the night seasons.] That is, in the time of my passion, my secret purposes and determinations concerning the redemption of man support me. “For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, despising the shame;” Heb 12:2.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Who hath given me counsel, Heb. consulted for me, i.e. by his wise and gracious counsel hath provided so good an heritage for me, and withal inspired that counsel and wisdom into me, by which I have chosen the Lord for my portion, and am so fully satisfied with him.
My reins, i.e. my inward thoughts and affections, (which are commonly signified by the reins, as Psa 7:9; 26:2; 73:21; 139:13; Jer 11:20; 12:2; 17:10) being inspired and moved by the Holy Spirit.
Instruct me, i. e. direct me what course to take, how to please and serve God, and to put my whole trust and confidence in him, as it follows.
In the night seasons; not only in the day time, but also in the night, when others are asleep, but my mind is working upon God, and the things of God, and improving the silence, and leisure, and solitude of the night to holy meditations, and the exciting of my affections towards God.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
7. given me counselcared forme.
my reinsthe supposedseat of emotion and thought (Psa 7:9;Psa 26:2).
instruct meor, exciteto acts of praise (Isa 53:11;Isa 53:12; Heb 12:2).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
I will bless the Lord,…. As prayer, so thanksgiving belongs to Christ, as man and Mediator; see Mt 11:25; and here he determines to praise the Lord, and give thanks to him for counsel and instruction:
who hath given me counsel; for though he himself is the Counsellor, with respect to his people, yet as man he received counsel from God, and the spirit of counsel rested on him, Isa 11:2; and fitted him for and directed him in the execution of his prophetic office; for the doctrine he taught was not his own, but his Father’s; and he said nothing of himself but what his Father taught him, and instructed him to speak, Joh 6:16. And he also gave him counsel about the execution of his priestly office, or about his sufferings and death, and drinking of the cup, which he, with submission to the divine will, desired might pass from him; but having advice in this matter, most cheerfully and courageously yielded to take it, see
Mt 26:39;
my reins also instruct me in the night seasons; when engaged in prayer to God, in which he sometimes continued a whole night together, Lu 6:12; and especially in that dark and dismal night in which he was betrayed, when it was the hour and power of darkness with his enemies; then, his inward parts being influenced by the spirit of wisdom and counsel, directed him how to behave and conduct himself. Or “the reins” being the seat of the affections, and being put for them, may signify, that his strong affection for God, and love to his people, put him upon and moved him to take the steps he did, to deliver up himself into the hands of sinful men, in order to suffer and die for his friends, and obtain eternal salvation for them.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Last of all, David confesses that it was entirely owing to the pure grace of God that he had come to possess so great a good, and that he had been made a partaker of it by faith. It would be of no advantage to us for God to offer himself freely and graciously to us, if we did not receive him by faith, seeing he invites to himself both the reprobate and the elect in common; but the former, by their ingratitude, defraud themselves of this inestimable blessing. Let us, therefore, know that both these things proceed from the free liberality of God; first, his being our inheritance, and next, our coming to the possession of him by faith. The counsel of which David makes mention is the inward illumination of the Holy Spirit, by which we are prevented from rejecting the salvation to which he calls us, which we would otherwise certainly do, considering the blindness of our flesh. (327) Whence we gather, that those who attribute to the free will of man the choice of accepting or rejecting the grace of God basely mangle that grace, and show as much ignorance as impiety. That this discourse of David ought not to be understood of external teaching appears clearly from the words, for he tells us that he was instructed in the night when he was removed from the sight of men. Again, when he speaks of this being done in his reins, he doubtless means secret inspirations. (328) Farther, it ought to be carefully observed, that, in speaking of the time when he was instructed, he uses the plural number, saying, it was done in the nights. By this manner of speaking, he not only ascribes to God the beginning of faith, but acknowledges that he is continually making progress under his tuition; and, indeed, it is necessary for God, during the whole of our life, to continue to correct the vanity of our minds, to kindle the light of faith into a brighter flame, and by every means to advance us higher in the attainments of spiritual wisdom.
(327) “ Ce qu’autrement nous ferions, veu l’aveuglement de nostre chair.” — Fr.
(328) Calvin means that God taught David by secret inspirations.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(7) Given me counsel . . .i.e., led me to a right and happy choice of the way of life.
My reinsi.e., my heart.
Instruct me.Better, warn me. Conscience echoes the voice of God. The Hebrew word, from a root meaning bind, includes the sense of obligation. Once heard, the Divine monition becomes a law to the good man, and his own heart warns him of the slightest danger of deviation from it.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
7. Counsel God had made him wise and skilful in divine wisdom.
Reins the word , ( kelayoth,) which occurs only in the plural, is always, in the common version, translated either kidneys or reins, the former the literal, the latter the figurative or physical sense, in which it denotes the tenderest inward sensibility. It is often associated with , ( lebh,) heart, (Psa 26:2; Jer 11:20,) as denoting the innermost feeling, never with , ( beten,) or , ( belly, or bowels,) or with , ( kereb,) inner part, all psychical terms. See on Psa 5:9. To be instructed by the reins, is to be admonished and corrected by the feelings, awakened by meditation, whether of a painful or pleasurable nature. The word , ( yahsar,) instruct, chasten, has commonly the idea of painful discipline, but here of joyful incentive to make Jehovah his portion.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
YHWH Has Given Him Counsel (7).
‘I will bless YHWH, who has given me counsel,
Yes, my reins instruct me in the night seasons.’
And with the joy of having YHWH as his lot, and of His possession of so goodly a heritage, he can also rejoice in the wisdom and guidance given to him by YHWH as he lies in his bed at night. Along with all his other benefits he blesses YHWH for the counsel given to him. His ‘reins’, those things which guide and control him, his conscience and the voice of God, give him his instruction night by night so as to maintain his continuing fellowship with God.
Happy are those whose lot is so in God, and who are experiencing having their lines set in pleasant places as they walk with Him, wanting no other inheritance, and who nightly so receive wisdom from God that their daily walk with Him continues untarnished. For they too will have the joy of the psalmist.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Psa 16:7. My reins also instruct me By reins is meant the secret thoughts and inward reflections of the mind; in the same manner as the heart is often mentioned to express the hidden purposes and desires of the soul. See Psa 7:10; Psa 26:2. Jer 12:2. Rev 2:23.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Psa 16:7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
Ver. 7. I will bless the Lord who hath given me counsel ] David frequently consulted with God by Abiathar the priest, whom God, by a sweet providence, sent unto him with an ephod for a comfort in his banishment, 1Sa 22:20 . Saul had slain those that wear the ephod, therefore God answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets, 1Sa 28:6 , as he did his servant David; who therefore blesseth him, when the other runneth from him to the witch for counsel, and from her to the sword’s point.
My reins also instruct me
In the night seasons
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psa 16:7-11
7I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;
Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.
8I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely.
10For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol;
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.
11You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Psa 16:7-11 The psalmist asserts his faith in YHWH’s
1. counsel, Psa 16:7 a (cf. Psa 32:8)
2. instructions, Psa 16:7 b
3. powerful presence, Psa 16:8; Psa 16:11
4. victory, Psa 16:8 b
The result is that he rejoices in his security in YHWH (cf. Psa 16:9), even in death (Psa 16:10-11).
1. He will not abandon the psalmist in Sheol, Psa 16:10 (cf. Job 14:14-15; Job 19:25-27)
2. He will make known to him the path of life (cf. Psa 139:24; Pro 15:24; i.e., an idiom for daily faithful living; for a similar phrase see Psa 101:2; Psa 101:6)
3. He will be with him personally, even in Sheol (cf. Psa 139:7-8)
4. He provides in abundance all the psalmist needs
Even in times of distress the faithful follower can know that YHWH is with him/her, for him/her, and will never leave him/her! This faith in YHWH’s faithfulness is our hope, joy, peace, rest, and victory!
Psa 16:8 b at my right hand YHWH’s right hand (see SPECIAL TOPIC: GOD DESCRIBED AS HUMAN (ANTHROPOMORPHISM) ). The right hand is proverbial for power and strength. The Messiah is described as seated on God’s right hand which denotes the place of power, preeminence, and authority.
The combination of several elements in this Psalm made it Messianic for the Apostles, Peter and Paul
1. right hand imagery, Psa 16:8; Psa 16:11
2. life beyond the physical existence
3. title Holy One
See fuller note at Psa 16:10.
Psa 16:9
NASB, NKJVmy glory
NRSV, NJBmy soul
LXXmy tongue
JPSOAmy whole being
REBmy spirit
The Hebrew word glory (, BDB 458 II) may be a scribal error for liver (, BDB 458, cf. Gen 49:6; Psa 30:12), which, like the heart, denoted the whole person (cf. NIDOTTE, vol. 2, pp. 587-588; NET Bible, p. 866, #11). Notice that heart, liver/glory, and flesh all are parallel and denote the psalmist himself.
Psa 16:10
NASB, NKJVYour Holy One
NRSV, JPSOAyour faithful one
NJB, REByour faithful servant
LXXyour devout
NET Bibleyour faithful follower
The Hebrew has your godly one (, BDB 339). This word is used often to describe those covenant people who loved, served, and obeyed YHWH (cf. Psa 4:3; Psa 12:1; Psa 32:6; Psa 86:2; Mic 7:2). When used of YHWH it is translated kind (cf. Psa 18:25; Psa 145:17) or gracious (cf. Jer 3:12).
Because this verse is quoted by both Peter (cf. Act 2:27; Act 2:31) and Paul (cf. Act 13:35) to refer to Jesus’ resurrection, in this Psalm the term is translated Holy One (NASB, NKJV). I am not sure how to view this verse in Psalms 16. In context it obviously refers to a godly, faithful Israelite (note the parallelism of Psa 16:10). It could then have been understood by an Apostle as
1. prophetic
2. typological
3. multiple fulfillment
The Apostles looked back into the OT and saw many signs and foreshadowing, as well as specific predictions, of the life, work, death, resurrection, and coming again of Jesus Christ! I trust their inspiration.
NASB, REBthe pit
NKJV, LXXcorruption
NRSV, JPSOAthe Pit
NJBthe abyss
The MT has Pit (BDB 1001) and it is parallel to Sheol (cf. Job 33:18; Isa 38:17-18). For Sheol see SPECIAL TOPIC: Where Are the Dead? and the notes at Psa 6:5; Psa 9:13. Both were ways of referring to death.
The LXX is quoted by both Peter and Paul in Acts to confirm the resurrection of Jesus. There are several places in the OT which assert, or at least hint at, a resurrection (cf. Job 14:14-15; Job 19:25-27; Psa 17:15; Psa 49:15; Psa 56:13; Psa 73:24-25; Psa 86:13; Isa 26:19; Dan 12:2). Ezekiel 37 seems to refer to a restoration of the nation, not individual resurrection.
Thank God for the full revelation of the NT.
1. Jesus’ empty tomb and post-resurrection appearances
2. Paul’s discussion of resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15
The afterlife is a progressive revelation!
The life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus changed the Apostles’ worldview. Their OT perspective was modified. They began to search the OT for prophecies, typologies, and hints of this new reality. Jesus Himself may have started this by revelatory interpretations about Himself from the OT to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, who passed them on to the group in the upper room (cf. Luk 24:25-27).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. Define the word saints.
2. Are the saints the same as the majestic ones?
3. How is Psa 16:4 related to idolatry?
4. Define the OT use of the term portion.
Is it parallel to lot?
5. What organ of the human body was believed to be the origin of thought and feelings?
6. Is this a Messianic Psalm because Psa 16:10 is quoted in Act 13:35?
7. Why is biblical faith described as a path?
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
reins. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6, for thoughts.
instruct = will instruct.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
who hath: Psa 73:24, Psa 119:7, Pro 8:14, Isa 11:2-4, Isa 48:17, Isa 50:4
my reins: Psa 73:21, Jer 12:2, Jer 17:10, Rev 2:23
in the: Psa 17:3, Psa 22:2, Psa 42:8, Psa 63:6, Psa 77:2, Psa 77:6, Psa 119:55, Psa 119:148, Isa 26:9, Luk 6:12
Reciprocal: Rev 3:18 – counsel
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Psa 16:7. I will bless the Lord who hath given me counsel The Hebrew,
, jegnatzani, may be rendered, hath consulted for me, that is, by his wise and gracious counsel hath provided so good a heritage for me: or, who hath inspired that counsel and wisdom into me by which I have chosen him for my portion and happiness, and am so fully satisfied with him. So ignorant and foolish are we, that, if we be left to ourselves, our hearts will follow our eyes, and we shall choose our own delusions, and forsake our own mercies, for lying vanities: and, therefore, if we have indeed taken God for our portion, and preferred spiritual and eternal blessings before those that are sensible and temporal, we must thankfully acknowledge the power and goodness of divine grace, directing and enabling us to make that choice. My reins also That is, my inward thoughts and affections (which are commonly signified by the reins, Psa 7:9; Psa 26:2; Jer 11:20; Jer 12:2; Jer 17:10) being inspired and moved by the Holy Spirit; instruct me Admonish me concerning my duty and happiness, direct me what course to take, how to please and glorify God, and to put my whole trust in, and live to him; in the night seasons Even when others are asleep my mind is employed about God and things divine, and engaged to improve the silence and solitude of the night in holy meditation, prayer, and devotion. All this may be applied to Christ, who made the Lord his portion, and was pleased with that portion; made his Fathers glory his highest end, and made it his meat and drink to seek that, and to do his will, and delighted to prosecute his undertaking, pursuant to his Fathers counsel, depending upon him to maintain his lot, and carry him through his undertaking. And we ought so far to apply it to ourselves as to learn from it wherein our duty and happiness consist, and to examine ourselves by it, whether we are properly influenced by such discoveries, and act accordingly.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
In view of this delight, David purposed to bless or praise the Lord. This is the first of many references to blessing or praising the Lord in the Book of Psalms. To bless God means to speak well of Him and thus to praise Him.
God had counseled David through His Word. David received counsel from God through the previously written books of the Old Testament, through other prophets such as Nathan and Gad, and through personal revelations. David himself was a prophet as well as a king. It is probably to these personal words from the Lord that David referred in the second part of this verse.