Psalms 116:7

KJV

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Return {H7725} unto thy rest {H4494}, O my soul {H5315}; for the LORD {H3068} hath dealt bountifully {H1580} with thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

My soul, return to your rest! For ADONAI has been generous toward you.

Berean Standard Bible

Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.

American Standard Version

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; For Jehovah hath dealt bountifully with thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 116:7 is a tender and profound self-admonition from the psalmist's soul, urging it to return to a state of deep peace and tranquility. This imperative is firmly grounded in the confident assurance of God's unwavering faithfulness and abundant generosity, acknowledging His past acts of deliverance and benevolent provision. It serves as a timeless invitation to cease from anxiety and turmoil, finding ultimate solace and security in the Lord's proven goodness and steadfast care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 116 is a deeply personal psalm of thanksgiving, likely composed by an individual who has recently experienced a profound and life-threatening deliverance. The preceding verses vividly recount the psalmist's desperate cries to the Lord when faced with "the sorrows of death" and "the pains of hell" as described in [Psalms 116:3](/psalms/116-3 "Psalms 116:3 - The Psalmist's Distress"). Having been heard and rescued from imminent peril, this verse (Psalms 116:7) marks a pivotal turning point in the psalmist's internal dialogue. It is a conscious, internal command to the soul to settle into a state of peace, a stark contrast to the earlier desperation and a natural, grateful response to God's intervention, which is detailed in [Psalms 116:1-6](/psalms/116-1-6 "Psalms 116:1-6 - God Hears and Delivers"). The verses immediately following detail the psalmist's renewed commitment to walk before the Lord and fulfill vows of thanksgiving, further emphasizing the transformative impact of God's deliverance and the resulting peace, as seen in [Psalms 116:8-9](/psalms/116-8-9 "Psalms 116:8-9 - Vows of Thanksgiving and Walking Before God").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms served as the prayer book and hymnbook for ancient Israel, reflecting the full spectrum of human experience within the covenant relationship with Yahweh. The concept of "rest" (Hebrew: _menuchah_) carried significant theological weight, often associated with the Sabbath, the Promised Land as a place of security and cessation from wandering, and divine provision from enemies. For an Israelite, true rest was not merely the absence of activity but a state of security and peace found in God's presence and under His protective care. The phrase "dealt bountifully" speaks to God's _hesed_ (covenant lovingkindness or steadfast love), a foundational attribute of God in the Old Testament. It implies His consistent, generous, and faithful intervention in the lives of His people, particularly in times of distress, upholding His covenant promises. While no specific historical event is explicitly tied to this psalm, it encapsulates the common Israelite experience of lament, miraculous deliverance, and subsequent praise, reflecting a deep cultural understanding of God's active involvement in human affairs.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Deliverance**, underscoring God's active and compassionate intervention in human suffering, moving the psalmist from the brink of death to a place of safety. Secondly, it emphasizes **Gratitude and Thanksgiving** as the appropriate and necessary response to God's goodness, forming the bedrock for true peace. The psalmist's command to his soul is predicated on remembering God's past acts of grace. Thirdly, the verse addresses **The Soul's Inner State**, recognizing that true peace is not merely external but an internal disposition of trust and quiet confidence, even amidst lingering challenges. This internal peace is a deliberate choice, cultivated by faith. Finally, it powerfully testifies to **God's Faithfulness (_Hesed_)**, portraying His enduring lovingkindness and abundant provision as the unwavering foundation for all human hope and rest. This deep trust in God's character allows the soul to truly "return to its rest," echoing themes of divine care found throughout the psalms, such as [Psalm 23](/psalm/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root signifies to turn back, hence away, either transitively or intransitively. It implies a reversal of direction or state, not necessarily to the starting point, but often conveying the idea of restoration or a change of course. In this context, it suggests the soul has strayed from its proper state of rest and is being commanded to revert to it, implying a conscious reorientation of one's inner being.
* **Rest (Hebrew, _mânôwach'_):** Derived from the root _nuach_ (to rest, settle down), this word denotes quietness, repose, and a settled spot or home. It is not merely a cessation of activity but a state of deep inner tranquility, security, and freedom from distress. Biblically, _mânôwach_ is associated with the Sabbath, the Promised Land, and ultimately, the spiritual peace and security found exclusively in God.
* **Dealt bountifully (Hebrew, _gâmal'_):** This verb means to treat a person (well or ill), to benefit or requite. When applied to God, as in this verse, it emphasizes His generous, complete, and gracious provision, often in response to a specific need or distress. It highlights God's benevolent nature and His readiness to act beneficently on behalf of His people, demonstrating His abundant goodness and unwavering faithfulness.
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** This widely used term refers to the entire inner being of the psalmist—his life-force, his emotions, his will, and his intellect. It encompasses the core of his personhood and vitality. The command "O my soul" is a profound act of self-admonition, indicating that the psalmist is actively directing his whole being to align with God's truth and character, rather than succumbing to fear, despair, or the chaos of external circumstances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Return unto thy rest, O my soul;":** This is a powerful imperative, a direct address from the psalmist to his own inner being. It implies that the soul has been in a state of agitation, turmoil, or wandering, perhaps due to the "sorrows of death" and "pains of hell" mentioned earlier in the psalm. The command is to intentionally redirect one's thoughts, emotions, and will back to a state of peace, quietness, and security. This "rest" is not an empty void but a secure dwelling place found *in God*. It is an active choice to cease striving and to rely on divine provision and protection, a deliberate re-anchoring of the self in God's steadfastness.
* **"for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.":** This clause provides the foundational reason and justification for the command to the soul. The psalmist grounds his self-admonition in the undeniable reality of God's character and His past actions. "Dealt bountifully" serves as a confident declaration of God's abundant generosity, kindness, and faithful provision. It is a reminder of specific instances of divine intervention and grace that the psalmist has experienced, which serve as an anchor for present and future trust. This is a theological assertion that God's proven goodness makes true rest possible and logical, transforming the soul's disposition from anxiety to peace.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices that enhance its meaning and emotional resonance. **Apostrophe** is prominently featured as the psalmist directly addresses his own "soul," personifying it and commanding it to "return unto thy rest." This direct address highlights the internal struggle and the deliberate act of faith required to reorient one's inner being away from turmoil and towards peace. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Return") underscores the active and volitional nature of finding this rest; it is not a passive state but a conscious decision to align oneself with God's truth and character. Furthermore, the verse utilizes a **Causal Clause** ("for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee"), which provides the theological justification and motivation for the command. This structure demonstrates a logical progression: the command to rest is not arbitrary but is firmly rooted in the undeniable reality of God's past and present goodness. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between the previous state of distress (implied by the need to "return") and the desired state of "rest," emphasizing the transformative power of God's intervention and the peace it brings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 116:7 speaks deeply to the biblical theme of divine provision and the human need for true rest. It echoes the broader concept of God as the ultimate source of peace and security, a theme woven throughout Scripture from the Sabbath rest in creation to the promised rest in the land of Canaan. The psalm's emphasis on God's "bountiful dealings" highlights His _hesed_ (steadfast love) and faithfulness, which are the unchanging foundation for human trust. This verse teaches that our ability to find peace is directly linked to our remembrance and acknowledgment of God's past goodness. When we recall how God has faithfully provided, delivered, and sustained us, our souls are empowered to release anxiety and settle into His sovereign care. This is an active, faith-filled response to God's character, inviting us to cease our striving and find our sufficiency in Him, trusting that His past goodness is a guarantee of His future faithfulness.

* [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")
* [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Peace of God Guards Hearts and Minds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by constant demands, anxieties, and uncertainties, Psalms 116:7 offers a profound and practical spiritual discipline. It calls us to intentionally and actively command our souls to find their true repose in God, rather than allowing them to be tossed about by circumstances or internal turmoil. This "return to rest" is not an escape from reality but a re-anchoring of our inner being in the unchanging character of God. When we are overwhelmed by worry, fear, or the pressures of life, this verse reminds us to deliberately recall and meditate on the countless ways the Lord has "dealt bountifully" with us—His past provisions, His specific deliverances, His enduring grace, and His unwavering faithfulness. This act of remembering God's goodness serves as a powerful antidote to anxiety, empowering us to release our burdens and trust in His continued care. It encourages a conscious shift from self-reliance and striving to a posture of confident dependence on the One who has proven Himself abundantly good, fostering a deep, abiding peace that transcends external circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my soul typically react to distress or anxiety, and what does it mean for me to "return to my rest" in God?**
* **What specific instances of God's "bountiful dealings" can I recall in my own life, and how can remembering these strengthen my present trust?**
* **What practical steps can I take to intentionally command my soul to rest in the Lord when faced with overwhelming circumstances?**
* **How does the truth of God's faithfulness (His "bountiful dealings") provide a secure foundation for my peace, even when the future is uncertain?**

### FAQ
**What does "Return unto thy rest, O my soul" mean practically for a believer today?**

Answer: Practically, it means to actively and consciously redirect your inner being—your thoughts, emotions, and will—away from worry, fear, striving, or self-reliance, and back to a state of trust and dependence on God. It's a deliberate choice to cease spiritual agitation and to find your security and peace in God's presence and His promises. This often involves prayer, meditation on Scripture, and recalling God's past faithfulness. It's a spiritual discipline to bring your soul into alignment with divine truth, rather than letting it be consumed by worldly anxieties, finding solace in the ultimate rest God provides, as hinted at in [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God").

**How is the "rest" mentioned in Psalms 116:7 different from simply relaxing or taking a break?**

Answer: The "rest" (_menuchah_) in Psalms 116:7 is far deeper than mere physical relaxation or a temporary break from activity. It is a spiritual and existential rest, a profound inner peace and security that comes from knowing God's sovereign care and His abundant provision. It's a cessation from the *striving* of self-sufficiency and the *burden* of trying to control outcomes. While physical rest is important, this biblical rest is about the soul finding its true home and security *in God*, even amidst external challenges. It's a rest that transcends circumstances, rooted in faith in God's character, echoing the invitation of [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest").

**What does it mean that "the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies that God has acted with abundant generosity, kindness, and faithful provision toward the psalmist. It means He has shown Himself gracious and benevolent, often through specific acts of deliverance, sustenance, or blessing in times of need or distress. It's a declaration of God's proven track record of goodness and His unwavering commitment to His people. For the psalmist, it's a powerful reminder of God's past mercies, which serve as the unshakeable foundation for present and future trust, allowing the soul to find its rest. It speaks to the consistent and overflowing nature of God's _hesed_ (steadfast love).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 116:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The longing for "rest" expressed by the psalmist, a rest from the turmoil of life and the burdens of sin, is fully realized in the person and work of our Savior. Jesus Himself extends the ultimate invitation, saying, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). He is the true _menuchah_, the secure dwelling place for our souls. His atoning sacrifice on the cross is the supreme act of the Lord "dealing bountifully" with us, providing complete forgiveness, reconciliation with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ")), and liberation from the endless striving of self-righteousness. Through His finished work, we enter into a spiritual Sabbath rest, ceasing from our own works to trust in His perfect obedience and sacrifice. The peace that guards our hearts and minds, as promised in [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"), is a direct result of our union with Christ, who is our peace. In Him, our souls find eternal repose, knowing that God has indeed dealt bountifully with us beyond measure, granting us grace upon grace and every spiritual blessing in Christ ([John 1:16](/john/1-16 "John 1:16 - Grace for Grace") and [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 13:6

I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Jeremiah 6:16

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where [is] the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk [therein].

Jeremiah 30:10

¶ Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make [him] afraid.

Psalms 119:17

¶ GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, [that] I may live, and keep thy word.

Psalms 95:11

Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.