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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 16, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [Michtam of David.] Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. {Michtam: or, A golden Psalm}
Psalms 16:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 {O my soul}, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou {art} my Lord: my goodness {extendeth} not to thee;
Psalms 16:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 {But} to the saints that {are} in the earth, and {to} the excellent, in whom {is} all my delight.
Psalms 16:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied {that} hasten {after} another {god}: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. {hasten...: or, give gifts to another}
Psalms 16:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 The LORD {is} the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. {of mine...: Heb. of my part}
Psalms 16:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant {places}; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
Psalms 16:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
Psalms 16:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 I have set the LORD always before me: because {he is} at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Psalms 16:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. {rest...: Heb. dwell confidently}
Psalms 16:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Psalms 16:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence {is} fulness of joy; at thy right hand {there are} pleasures for evermore.
Psalms 16:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.