The Lord, the Psalmist’s Portion in Life and Salvation in Death.

A [a]Mikhtam of David.

16 (A)Protect me, God, for (B)I take refuge in You.
[b]I said to the Lord, “You are [c]my Lord;
I (C)have nothing good besides You.”
As for the [d](D)saints who are on the earth,
[e]They are the majestic ones; (E)all my delight is in them.
[f]The (F)pains of those who have acquired another god will be multiplied;
I will not pour out their drink offerings of (G)blood,
Nor will I (H)take their names upon my lips.

The Lord is the (I)portion of my inheritance and my (J)cup;
You support my (K)lot.
The measuring (L)lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my inheritance is (M)beautiful to me.

I will bless the Lord who has (N)advised me;
Indeed, my [g](O)mind instructs me in the night.
(P)I have (Q)set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is (R)at my right hand, (S)I will not be shaken.
Therefore (T)my heart is glad and (U)my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will (V)dwell securely.
10 For You (W)will not abandon my soul to [h]Sheol;
You will not [i](X)allow Your [j]Holy One to [k]undergo decay.
11 You will make known to me (Y)the way of life;
In (Z)Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are (AA)pleasures forever.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 16 Title Possibly Epigrammatic Poem or Atonement Psalm
  2. Psalm 16:2 Or O my soul, you said
  3. Psalm 16:2 Or the Lord
  4. Psalm 16:3 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  5. Psalm 16:3 Lit They, even the
  6. Psalm 16:4 Lit Their pains, they who acquired
  7. Psalm 16:7 Lit kidneys, figurative for inner man
  8. Psalm 16:10 I.e., the netherworld
  9. Psalm 16:10 Lit give
  10. Psalm 16:10 Or godly one
  11. Psalm 16:10 Or see corruption; or the pit

The Lord Takes Care of His People

A miktam of David.

16 Protect me, God,
    because I trust in you.
I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord.
    Every good thing I have comes from you.”
As for the godly people in the world,
    they are the wonderful ones I enjoy.
But those who turn to idols
    will have much pain.
I will not offer blood to those idols
    or even speak their names.

No, the Lord is all I need.
    He takes care of me.
My share in life has been pleasant;
    my part has been beautiful.

I praise the Lord because he advises me.
    Even at night, I feel his leading.
I keep the Lord before me always.
    Because he is close by my side,
    I will not be hurt.
So I rejoice and am glad.
    Even my body has hope,
10 because you will not leave me in the grave.
    You will not let your holy one rot.
11 You will teach me how to live a holy life.
    Being with you will fill me with joy;
    at your right hand I will find pleasure forever.