Introduction

This Psalm of David expresses confidence in God, both then and for the future.

Verses
1Preserve me, God, for I take refuge in you.
2My soul, you have said to the LORD, “You are my Lord.
Apart from you I have no good thing.”
3As for the saints who are in the earth,
they are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.
 
4Their sorrows shall be multiplied who give gifts to another god.
Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer,
nor take their names on my lips.
5The LORD assigned my portion and my cup.
You made my lot secure.
 
6The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places.
Yes, I have a good inheritance.
7I will bless the LORD, who has given me counsel.
Yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons.
8I have set the LORD always before me.
Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices.
My body shall also dwell in safety.
10For you will not leave my soul in Sheol,
neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption.
11You will show me the path of life.
In your presence is fullness of joy.
In your right hand there are pleasures forever more.

Questions

1. Why does David ask God to preserve him?

v 1 Preserve me, God, for I take refuge in you.

2. What does David say to the LORD?

v 2 My soul, you have said to the LORD, “You are my Lord.
Apart from you I have no good thing.”

3. Why is David confident he will not be moved?

v 8 I have set the LORD always before me.
Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Summary Points

  • v 1 to 4 David is putting his trust in God and resisting worship of false gods
  • v 5 to 7 He believes that God has promised him a bright future and thanks God for this hope
  • v 8 to 11 Because of his confidence in God’s promise, nothing will stand in his way. These verses are quoted in the New Testament (Acts 2 v 25 to 27) as pointing forward to the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 2 v 30 and 31)

 Timeline 1050 BC

The audio version uses Yahweh instead of LORD. This reflects the original Hebrew language.

Audio