Psalm 16:9
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will dwell securely.
Therefore
The word "therefore" serves as a pivotal connector, linking the preceding verses with the conclusion drawn in this verse. In Hebrew, the word often translated as "therefore" is "לָכֵן" (lakhen), which indicates a logical consequence or result. In the context of Psalm 16, it suggests that the joy and security expressed in this verse are direct outcomes of the psalmist's trust and relationship with God, as described in the earlier verses. This connection emphasizes the cause-and-effect nature of faith and divine assurance.

my heart
The Hebrew word for "heart" is "לֵב" (lev), which in biblical terms often refers not just to the physical heart but to the center of one's inner life, including emotions, thoughts, and will. In ancient Hebrew culture, the heart was seen as the seat of understanding and decision-making. The psalmist's reference to the heart being glad indicates a deep, internal joy that transcends circumstances, rooted in a profound trust in God.

is glad
The phrase "is glad" comes from the Hebrew root "שָׂמַח" (samach), which means to rejoice or be joyful. This joy is not superficial but is a deep-seated happiness that arises from a sense of security and well-being in God's presence. The psalmist's gladness is a reflection of the confidence and peace that come from a life aligned with God's will and purposes.

and my tongue
The Hebrew word for "tongue" is "כָּבוֹד" (kavod), which can also mean "glory" or "honor." In this context, it likely refers to the psalmist's speech or expression. The tongue is often seen as an instrument of praise and declaration. The psalmist's use of the tongue to express joy underscores the importance of verbalizing one's faith and gratitude, which is a common theme throughout the Psalms.

rejoices
The word "rejoices" is derived from the Hebrew "גִּיל" (gil), which conveys a sense of exultation and triumph. This rejoicing is an outward expression of the inner gladness mentioned earlier. It suggests a celebratory response to God's faithfulness and provision, highlighting the psalmist's exuberant praise and acknowledgment of God's goodness.

my body
The term "body" in Hebrew is "בָּשָׂר" (basar), which refers to the physical flesh. In this verse, it signifies the entirety of the psalmist's being, encompassing both physical and spiritual aspects. The mention of the body indicates that the joy and security experienced by the psalmist are holistic, affecting both the soul and the physical self.

also
The word "also" serves to include the body in the experience of joy and security, emphasizing that the psalmist's entire being is involved in this state of blessedness. It suggests that the benefits of faith and trust in God are not limited to the spiritual realm but extend to the physical and material aspects of life as well.

will dwell
The phrase "will dwell" comes from the Hebrew "שָׁכַן" (shakan), which means to reside or settle. It conveys a sense of permanence and stability. The psalmist's confidence that his body will dwell securely reflects a trust in God's ongoing protection and provision, both in this life and beyond.

securely
The word "securely" is translated from the Hebrew "לָבֶטַח" (labetach), which means in safety or confidence. This term underscores the assurance and peace that come from being under God's care. The psalmist's declaration of dwelling securely is a testament to the unwavering trust in God's promises and the peace that surpasses understanding, which is available to all who place their faith in Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of Psalm 16, traditionally understood to be King David, who expresses his trust and joy in the Lord.

2. God
The central figure in the Psalm, in whom David places his trust and finds his security.

3. Heart
Represents the inner self or soul, often seen as the seat of emotions and will in Hebrew thought.

4. Tongue
Symbolizes expression and communication, reflecting the joy and praise that come from a heart aligned with God.

5. Body
Refers to the physical aspect of a person, indicating a holistic sense of security and peace.
Teaching Points
Joy in the Lord
True joy comes from a relationship with God. David's glad heart and rejoicing tongue are rooted in his trust in the Lord.

Holistic Security
The security David speaks of encompasses both spiritual and physical well-being, reminding us that God cares for every aspect of our lives.

Expression of Faith
Our words and expressions should reflect the joy and confidence we have in God, serving as a testimony to others.

Trust and Assurance
Trusting in God leads to a deep sense of assurance and peace, even amidst life's uncertainties.

Resurrection Hope
The ultimate security and joy come from the hope of resurrection, as seen in the New Testament application of this Psalm to Jesus.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's expression of joy and security in Psalm 16:9 challenge or encourage your current perspective on trust in God?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a heart that is glad and a tongue that rejoices, as described in this verse?

3. How does the assurance of God's protection and security influence your daily decisions and actions?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's peace and security in a tangible way. How did it affect your faith journey?

5. How can the hope of resurrection, as connected to this Psalm, impact your outlook on life and eternity?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 2:25-28
Peter quotes Psalm 16 in his sermon at Pentecost, applying it to the resurrection of Jesus, showing the fulfillment of David's words in Christ.

Philippians 4:4-7
Paul speaks of rejoicing in the Lord and the peace that guards our hearts and minds, echoing the themes of joy and security found in Psalm 16:9.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trusting in the Lord with all your heart is a foundational principle that aligns with the trust and security expressed in Psalm 16.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Encourages believers to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks, reflecting the rejoicing and gladness of heart in Psalm 16:9.

Hebrews 13:5-6
Speaks of contentment and the Lord as our helper, reinforcing the security and confidence found in God as expressed in Psalm 16.
A Good HopeRobert Tuck, B. A.Psalm 16:1-11
Faith in the Presence of GodAlfred Barry, D. D.Psalm 16:1-11
Jehovah, the Believer's Chief GoodTalbot W. Chambers, D. D.Psalm 16:1-11
Life-Long ConvictionsW. Forsyth Psalm 16:1-11
Once Thine, Ever Thine: the Song of a Saint, the Vision of a SeerC. Clemance Psalm 16:1-11
The Divine PreservationJoseph Parker, D. D.Psalm 16:1-11
The Good Man's PleaRobert Rollocks.Psalm 16:1-11
The Plea of Our TrustfulnessA. Thomson, D. D.Psalm 16:1-11
The Portrait of a God-Trusting SoulD. Thomas, D. D.Psalm 16:1-11
The Confidence of the Psalmist's Faith in the FutureC. Short Psalm 16:8-11
Christ Joyful in SufferingA. Thomson, D. D.Psalm 16:9-10
Dying Welt and ComfortablyJames Robe, M. A.Psalm 16:9-10
ImmortalityJoseph Parker, D. D.Psalm 16:9-10
The Flesh and its Three StatesEdward Garbitt, M. A.Psalm 16:9-10
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Body, Confidently, Dwell, Dwelleth, Dwells, Exulteth, Flesh, Full, Glad, Glory, Heart, Honour, Hope, Joy, Moreover, Rejoice, Rejoices, Rejoiceth, Rest, Safety, Secure, Securely, Soul, Takes, Tongue
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 16:9

     5017   heart, renewal
     5193   tongue
     9613   hope, as confidence

Psalm 16:8-9

     8288   joy, of Israel

Psalm 16:8-11

     2366   Christ, prophecies concerning
     6142   decay
     9311   resurrection, of Christ

Psalm 16:9-10

     5136   body
     9615   hope, results of

Psalm 16:9-11

     9136   immortality, OT

Library
Man's True Treasure in God
'The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup; Thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.'--PSALM xvi. 5, 6. We read, in the law which created the priesthood in Israel, that 'the Lord spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them. I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel' (Numbers xvii. 20). Now there is an evident allusion to that remarkable
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

God with Us, and we with God
'I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.... 11. In Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.' --PSALM xvi. 8, 11. There are, unquestionably, large tracts of the Old Testament in which the anticipation of immortality does not appear, and there are others in which its presence may be doubtful. But here there can be no hesitation, I think, as to the meaning of these words. If we regard them carefully, we shall
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Messiah Rising from the Dead
For Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. T hat the Gospel is a divine revelation may be summarily proved from the character of its Author. If an infidel was so far divested of prejudice and prepossession, as to read the history of Jesus Christ, recorded by the Evangelists, with attention, and in order to form his judgment of it, simply and candidly, as evidence should appear; I think he must observe many particulars in his spirit and conduct,
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Smith -- Assurance in God
GEORGE ADAM SMITH, divine, educator and author, was born at Calcutta in 1856, and educated at New College, Edinburgh, Scotland. He is at present professor of Old Testament Language, Literature and Theology in the United Free Church College, Glasgow. He is author of "The Historical Geography of the Holy Land," "Jerusalem, the Topography, Economics and History from the Earliest Time to A.D. 70" (1908). He is generally regarded as one of the most gifted preachers of Scotland. SMITH Born in 1856 ASSURANCE
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume 10

India as Carey Found It
1793 Tahiti v. Bengal--Carey and Thomas appointed missionaries to Bengal--The farewell at Leicester--John Thomas, first medical missionary--Carey's letter to his father--The Company's "abominable monopoly"--The voyage--Carey's aspirations for world-wide missions--Lands at Calcutta--His description of Bengal in 1793--Contrast presented by Carey to Clive, Hastings, and Cornwallis--The spiritual founder of an Indian Empire of Christian Britain--Bengal and the famine of 1769-70--The Decennial Settlement
George Smith—The Life of William Carey

Source of My Life's Refreshing Springs,
"Thou maintainest my lot." -- Psalm 16:5. Source of my life's refreshing springs, Whose presence in my heart sustains me, Thy love appoints me pleasant things, Thy mercy orders all that pains me. If loving hearts were never lonely, If all they wish might always be, Accepting what they look for only, They might be glad, but not in Thee. Well may Thy own beloved, who see In all their lot their Father's pleasure, Bear loss of all they love, save Thee, Their living, everlasting treasure. Well may
Miss A. L. Waring—Hymns and Meditations

Though Some Good Things of Lower Worth
"The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance." -- Psalm 16:5. Though some good things of lower worth My heart is called on to resign, Of all the gifts in heaven and earth, The greatest and the best is mine The love of God in Christ made known -- The love that is enough alone, My Father's love is all my own. My soul's Restorer, let me learn In that deep love to live and rest -- Let me the precious thing discern Of which I am indeed possessed. My treasure let me feel and see, And let my moments,
Miss A. L. Waring—Hymns and Meditations

Eleventh Sunday after Trinity. In Thy Presence is Fulness of Joy; at Thy Right Hand There are Pleasures for Evermore.
In Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Wie wohl ist mir o Freund der Seelen [108]Wolfgang C. Deszler. 1692. trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855 O Friend of Souls, how well is me, Whene'er Thy love my spirit calms! From sorrow's dungeon forth I flee, And hide me in Thy shelt'ring arms. The night of weeping flies away Before the heart-reviving ray Of love, that beams from out Thy breast; Here is my heaven on earth begun; Who were not joyful had he won
Catherine Winkworth—Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year

But Whilst the King Has not that Most Blessed Light...
But whilst the King has not that most blessed light, yet there are some things in which he can discriminate; and here are seven comparisons in which his unaided wisdom can discern which is the better:-- 1. A good name is better than precious ointment. 2. The day of death " " " the day of birth. 3. The house of mourning " " " the house of feasting. 4. Borrow " " " laughter. 5. The rebuke of the wise " " " the song of fools.
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs

Israel the Beloved
'The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between His shoulders.'--DEUT. xxxiii. 12. Benjamin was his father's favourite child, and the imagery of this promise is throughout drawn from the relations between such a child and its father. So far as the future history of the tribes is shadowed in these 'blessings' of this great ode, the reference of the text may be to the tribe of Benjamin, as specially distinguished by Saul
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

One Saying from Three Men
'The wicked hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved.' --PSALM x. 6. 'Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.' --PSALM xvi. 8. 'And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.' --PSALM xxx. 6. How differently the same things sound when said by different men! Here are three people giving utterance to almost the same sentiment of confidence. A wicked man says it, and it is insane presumption and defiance. A good man says it, having been lulled into false security by easy times,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Psalmist --Setting the Lord
ALWAYS BEFORE HIM "Lord, teach us to pray."--Luke xi. i. "I have set the Lord always before me."--Ps. xvi. 8. IF this so devotionally disposed disciple had lived in the days of David, and if he had asked of David what he here asks of his Master,--that is to say, if he had said to David, "David, thou man after God's own heart, teach me to pray,"--David would have answered him in the words of the text. "Set the Lord before you," David would have said. "Begin every prayer of yours by setting the Lord
Alexander Whyte—Lord Teach Us To Pray

The Joy of the Lord.
IT is written "the joy of the Lord is your strength." Every child of God knows in some measure what it is to rejoice in the Lord. The Lord Jesus Christ must ever be the sole object of the believer's joy, and as eyes and heart look upon Him, we, too, like "the strangers scattered abroad" to whom Peter wrote shall "rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1 Pet. i:8). But it is upon our heart to meditate with our beloved readers on the joy of our adorable Lord, as his own personal joy. The
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

But Concerning True Patience, Worthy of the Name of this virtue...
12. But concerning true patience, worthy of the name of this virtue, whence it is to be had, must now be inquired. For there are some [2650] who attribute it to the strength of the human will, not which it hath by Divine assistance, but which it hath of free-will. Now this error is a proud one: for it is the error of them which abound, of whom it is said in the Psalm, "A scornful reproof to them which abound, and a despising to the proud." [2651] It is not therefore that "patience of the poor" which
St. Augustine—On Patience

The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion
I would invite you, my brethren in Christ Jesus, this morning, to do three things; first, let us consider the terms of the will--"joint heirs with Christ;" secondly, let us go forth and view the estates--what it is of which we are joint heirs; and when we have done so, let us proceed at once to administer, for God hath made his children administrators as web as heirs. I. First, then, there is A LEGAL TERM IN THE WILL UPON WHICH THE WHOLE MATTER WILL HINGE. We are called "joint heirs with Christ"--what
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 A. D.
In the fourth period of the Church under the heathen Empire, or the period of the consolidation of the Church, the number of Christians increased so rapidly that the relation of the Roman State to the Church became a matter of the gravest importance (ch. 1). During a period of comparative peace and prosperity the Church developed its doctrinal system and its constitution (ch. 2). Although the school of Asia Minor became isolated and temporarily ceased to affect the bulk of the Church elsewhere, the
Joseph Cullen Ayer Jr., Ph.D.—A Source Book for Ancient Church History

The Wrath of God
What does every sin deserve? God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and in that which is to come. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire.' Matt 25: 41. Man having sinned, is like a favourite turned out of the king's favour, and deserves the wrath and curse of God. He deserves God's curse. Gal 3: 10. As when Christ cursed the fig-tree, it withered; so, when God curses any, he withers in his soul. Matt 21: 19. God's curse blasts wherever it comes. He deserves also God's wrath, which is
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Early Life of Malachy. Having Been Admitted to Holy Orders He Associates with Malchus
[Sidenote: 1095.] 1. Our Malachy, born in Ireland,[134] of a barbarous people, was brought up there, and there received his education. But from the barbarism of his birth he contracted no taint, any more than the fishes of the sea from their native salt. But how delightful to reflect, that uncultured barbarism should have produced for us so worthy[135] a fellow-citizen with the saints and member of the household of God.[136] He who brings honey out of the rock and oil out of the flinty rock[137]
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Notes on the First Century:
Page 1. Line 1. An empty book is like an infant's soul.' Here Traherne may possibly have had in his mind a passage in Bishop Earle's "Microcosmography." In delineating the character of a child, Earle says: "His soul is yet a white paper unscribbled with observations of the world, wherewith at length it becomes a blurred note-book," Page 14. Line 25. The entrance of his words. This sentence is from Psalm cxix. 130. Page 15. Last line of Med. 21. "Insatiableness." This word in Traherne's time was often
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations

Out of the Deep of Suffering and Sorrow.
Save me, O God, for the waters are come in even unto my soul: I am come into deep waters; so that the floods run over me.--Ps. lxix. 1, 2. I am brought into so great trouble and misery: that I go mourning all the day long.--Ps. xxxviii. 6. The sorrows of my heart are enlarged: Oh! bring Thou me out of my distress.--Ps. xxv. 17. The Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping: the Lord will receive my prayer.--Ps. vi. 8. In the multitude of the sorrows which I had in my heart, Thy comforts have refreshed
Charles Kingsley—Out of the Deep

Angels Announce the Resurrection to Certain Women. Peter and John Enter The
Empty Tomb. (Joseph's Garden. Sunday, Very Early.) ^A Matt. XXVIII. 1-8; ^B Mark XVI. 1-8; ^C Luke XXIV. 1-8, 12; ^D John XX. 1-10. ^c 1 But ^a 1 Now late on the sabbath day, ^b 1 And when the sabbath was past, ^c on the first day of the week, { ^a as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week,} ^c at early dawn, ^d while it was yet dark, cometh { ^a came} ^d Mary Magdalene early ^a and the other Mary ^b the mother of James, and Salome, ^c unto the tomb, bringing { ^b brought} ^c the spices
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Malachy's Pity for his Deceased Sister. He Restores the Monastery of Bangor. His First Miracles.
11. (6). Meanwhile Malachy's sister, whom we mentioned before,[271] died: and we must not pass over the visions which he saw about her. For the saint indeed abhorred her carnal life, and with such intensity that he vowed he would never see her alive in the flesh. But now that her flesh was destroyed his vow was also destroyed, and he began to see in spirit her whom in the body he would not see. One night he heard in a dream the voice of one saying to him that his sister was standing outside in the
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

The Creation
Q-7: WHAT ARE THE DECREES OF GOD? A: The decrees of God are his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he has foreordained whatsoever shall come to pass. I have already spoken something concerning the decrees of God under the attribute of his immutability. God is unchangeable in his essence, and he-is unchangeable in his decrees; his counsel shall stand. He decrees the issue of all things, and carries them on to their accomplishment by his providence; I
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Religion Pleasant to the Religious.
"O taste and see how gracious the Lord is; blessed is the man that trusteth in Him."--Psalm xxxiv. 8. You see by these words what love Almighty God has towards us, and what claims He has upon our love. He is the Most High, and All-Holy. He inhabiteth eternity: we are but worms compared with Him. He would not be less happy though He had never created us; He would not be less happy though we were all blotted out again from creation. But He is the God of love; He brought us all into existence,
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

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