The Psalmist professeth his love and duty to God for his deliverance: he studieth to be thankful.
THIS psalm was probably written by David upon his deliverance from Absalom's rebellion; though some think that it was composed by Esdras at the return of the Jews from Babylon. The Jews were accustomed to sing this psalm with some others after their passover; for which, doubtless, they had the direction of some of their prophets, who saw that it represented Christ, the true paschal lamb, singing thus after his last passover, to preserve himself, as it were, for immediate sufferings and death; in full assurance of being heard in that he feared; and with the most affectionate praise and thanksgiving then devoutly offered, and promised also to be continually offered in the courts of the heavenly sanctuary, whither he was going to prepare a place for all his faithful servants: who, therefore, have here a most affecting example of offering praise even in a day of trouble, within the courts of the Lord's house, here on earth, till they come to do it in the Jerusalem above; in the courts of the heavenly sanctuary. See Fenwick and Houbigant.
Psalms 116:1. I love, &c.— Hebrew, I love; i.e. "I am full of love:—I love ardently and most affectionately,"—as commentators well explain it; "And that because the Lord accepts, or will hear my prayer; [ישׁמע ishmang,] helping me, in that I feared; so that in my days of distress or trouble [אקרא ekra]."