P S A L M S
PSALM XVI.
This psalm has something of David in it, but much more of Christ. It begins with such expressions of devotion as may be applied to Christ; but concludes with such confidence of a resurrection (and so timely a one as to prevent corruption) as must be applied to Christ, to him only, and cannot be understood of David, as both St. Peter and St. Paul have observed, Acts 2:24; Acts 13:36. For David died, and was buried, and saw corruption. I. David speaks of himself as a member of Christ, and so he speaks the language of all good Christians, professing his confidence in God ( Psalms 16:1), his consent to him ( Psalms 16:2), his affection to the people of God ( Psalms 16:3), his adherence to the true worship of God ( Psalms 16:4), and his entire complacency and satisfaction in God and the interest he had in him, Psalms 16:5-7. II. He speaks of himself as a type of Christ, and so he speaks the language of Christ himself, to whom all the rest of the psalm is expressly and at large applied (Acts 2:25-28, c.). David speaks concerning him (not concerning himself), "I foresaw the Lord always before my face," &c. And this he spoke, being a prophet, Acts 2:30 Acts 2:31. He spoke, 1. Of the special presence of God with the Redeemer in his services and sufferings, Psalms 16:8. 2. Of the prospect which the Redeemer had of his own resurrection and the glory that should follow, which carried him cheerfully through his undertaking, Psalms 16:9-11.