Psalm 116: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 116 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist expresses love for Yahweh because he listens to his voice and cries for mercy (vv. 1-2). In his despair, the psalmist feels the cords of death around him and calls on Yahweh to deliver his soul (vv.

Key verse

“I love Yahweh, because he listens to my voice, and my cries for mercy.”
Psalms 116:1 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 116:1–2 Expression of Love for Yahweh
Psalm 116:3–4 Desperation and Plea for Deliverance
Psalm 116:5–7 Recognition of God's Mercy
Psalm 116:8–10 Thankfulness for Deliverance
Psalm 116:11–14 Vows and Thanksgiving
Psalm 116:15–17 Servanthood and Sacrifice
Psalm 116:18–19 Public Worship in Yahweh's Courts

Discussion questions

In v5, what does the psalmist say about Yahweh’s character?
What does the phrase 'the cords of death' in v3 convey about the psalmist's situation?
In v15, what does the statement 'Precious in Yahweh’s sight is the death of his saints' suggest about the value of the faithful?
The phrase 'I was greatly afflicted' in v10: what does this indicate about the psalmist's emotional state during distress?
When have you experienced a situation where you felt the need to call on Yahweh's name as in v4?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 116: Psalm 34, Romans 12, Matthew 11.

Before next time: read Psalm 117.