PSALM 116

1 I have loved, because heard hath Jehovah the voice of my prayer;

2 Because he hath inclined his ear to me, When in my straits I called upon him. ³⁸⁴³⁸⁴     The translation of these two verses is free, being modified by Calvin’s Commentary. For the literal translation, see Vol. 4.

3 They encompassed me, the snares of death, And the sorrows of the grave found me: Trouble and grief I found.

4 And on the name of Jehovah I will call: “I beseech thee, O Jehovah! deliver my soul.”

5 Merciful is Jehovah and righteous; And our God is compassionate.

6 Guard doth Jehovah the simple: I was brought low and he saved me.

7 Return, O my soul! to thy rest; For Jehovah hath dealt kindly with thee. ³⁸⁵³⁸⁵     Literally, it is “hath recompensed upon thee.”

8 Because thou hast rescued my soul from death My eye from tears, My foot from falling.

9 I will walk before Jehovah in the land of the living.

10 I have believed, for I will speak: “I am afflicted greatly.”

11 I said in my fear, “Every man is a liar.”

12 What shall I render to Jehovah? All his benefits are upon me.

13 The cup of salvation I will take, And upon the name of Jehovah I will call.

14 My vows to, Jehovah I will perform Now in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in the eyes of Jehovah is the death of his meek ones.

16 Come! O Jehovah! for I, am thy servant; I am thy servant, the son of thy handmaid; Thou hast broken my fetters.

17 To thee will I sacrifice the sacrifice of praise, And upon the name of Jehovah will I call.

18 My vows to Jehovah will I perform Now in the presence of all his people,

19 In the courts of the house of Jehovah In the midst of thee, O Jerusalem! Hallelujah.