(1) Structure
(Kel)
I. The psalmist announces that he loves the LORD for answering his prayer to be rescued from the suffering and peril of death (1–4).
II. The psalmist describes the LORD as gracious, righteous, compassionate and completely trustworthy because he delivered him from death (5–6).
I. The psalmist announces that he loves the LORD for answering his prayer to be rescued from the suffering and peril of death (1–4).
II. The psalmist describes the LORD as gracious, righteous, compassionate and completely trustworthy because he delivered him from death (5–6).
III. The psalmist drew lessons from his experience for others to follow
A. v.7-8 Believers can return and rest because God delivers from deathB. v.9 God delivers those in need so that they may live obediently before HimC. v.10-11 God is the only One who is completely trustworthy
IV. The psalmist can only offer grateful praise to the LORD in the presence of all the assembly (12–19).
(2) Difficult verses
v.6 116:6 The LORD protects the untrained;
I was in serious trouble and he delivered me. untrained=(Kel) the meaning is more likely just simple, helpless, or inexperienced. This simplicity may leave people open to attacks, but if they know this, then they can always cry out to the LORD immediately—even with a simple faith. The psalmist is painting himself in this way: when he was growing weak and was in great need the LORD saved him. So the psalmist’s contemplation on the nature of God immediately brings to mind his own experience.
(3) Reflection: 4 questions to ask ourselves: Do we love the LORD because He has rescued us? Do we learn anything about Him because of His salvation to us? Do we draw any lesson and teach others from our salvation? Do we praise Him in front of others about His salvation?
I think these 4 questions are related to each other. Usually for a person to be rescued by another person they may have gratitude, but not necessary love. The psalmist knew Who God is from the salvation: He is merciful, fair and compassionate, protects the simple people v.5-6b. Therefore, he loved the LORD. If we stop knowing the LORD after our salvation we may not have the love as this psalmist and will not teach others and will not praise God before others.
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