THE LORD IS MY PORTION–PSALM 16:1-11
Introduction:
This psalm is called the “Golden Psalm.” It is more precious than gold because it speaks so plainly of Christ and his resurrection, who is the true treasure hidden in the field of the Old Testament. One commentator calls it “David’s jewel, or notable song.” “Some have rendered it precious, others golden, and others, precious jewel; and as the Holy Ghost, by the apostles Peter and Paul, hath shown us that it is all about the Lord Jesus Christ, what is here said of him is precious, is golden, is a jewel indeed!” —Dr. Hawker.
I. CHEERFUL BELIEVING CONFIDENCE vv. 1-4
A. Peter tells that David speaks concerning HIM, Jesus Christ, Acts 2:25, “For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:”
1. Here from this psalm Peter preaches the resurrected Christ to the Jews on Pentecost, v. 27.
2. He preaches of the hope and joy of David regarding the Messiah, v. 28.
B. One of the great names of God is “the Preserver of men,” v. 1; Job 7:20, “I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?”
1. The Lord preserves the faithful, Psalms 31:23, “O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.”
2. The Lord DOES NOT FORSAKE His saints, Psalms 37:28, “For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.”
C. David says, “Thou art my Lord,” v. 2; Psalms 27:8, “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.”
1. David says, “You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing,” Psalm 34:10, “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.”
2. God does not withhold good things for the faithful, Psalm 84:11, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”
D. David’s goodness was extended to the saints, v. 3; Galatians 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
1. David could do nothing for the Lord so HE DID GOOD TO GOD’S PEOPLE, Hebrews 6:10, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”
2. David refers to the saints as “the excellent,” v. 3; Malachi 3:17, “And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.”
3. David though a king, WAS A COMPANION with those who followed the Lord, Psalm 119:63, “I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.”
E. David declares the doom of idolater, v. 4; Psalms 32:10, “Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.”
II. THE LORD’S PORTION vv. 5-11
A. God is THE STRENGTH of the believer’s heart, Psalms 73:26, “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”
B. David’s inheritance was SERVING the Lord, v. 6; Psalms 23:5, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
1. Jesus found the WAY OF OBEDIENCE to lead into pleasant places, Psalms 21:1, “The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!”
2. It is a GOODLY heritage, Psalms 21:2, “Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips.”
III. DAVID SPEAKS IN THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY
A. David recognizes the PRESENCE of the Lord, Acts 2:25, “For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:”
B. Jesus foresaw the DIFFICULTY of His crucifixion and prayed to the Father, Luke 22:42-43, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43- And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.”
C. The death and resurrection of Christ is clearly seen here, vv. 9-10.
1. Knowing that HE MUST DIE, Jesus REJOICED in His Father, Luke 10:21, “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.”
2. Jesus was NOT DISAPPOINTED in His hope, v. 10; Acts 2:29-31, “Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30- Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31- He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.”
D. Being raised Jesus ASCENDED INTO THE PRESENCE of the Father WITH THE FULNESS OF JOY, v. 11; Hebrews 1:3, “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”
CONCLUSION