Psalms 16:1

KJV

¶ Michtam of David. Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.

KJV (with Strong's)

Michtam {H4387} of David {H1732}. Preserve {H8104} me, O God {H410}: for in thee do I put my trust {H2620}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Mikhtam. By David: Protect me, God, for you are my refuge.

Berean Standard Bible

Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge.

American Standard Version

Preserve me, O God; for in thee do I take refuge.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 16:1 serves as a foundational declaration of profound trust and dependence, opening a psalm that expresses David's unwavering confidence in God amidst life's inherent uncertainties. It is a personal and direct plea for divine preservation, immediately followed by the psalmist's stated reason for this request: his complete and active reliance on God as his ultimate refuge and source of security. This verse establishes the core theme of the entire psalm, which celebrates the joy and blessing found in a life wholly committed to the Lord, culminating in a prophetic anticipation of eternal life and resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 16 is uniquely titled "Michtam of David," a superscription shared by only five other psalms (Psalms 56-60). While its precise meaning is debated, "Michtam" is often interpreted as "golden psalm" or "engraved psalm," suggesting a composition of enduring value, perhaps one to be inscribed or deeply remembered. Following this opening plea for preservation, the psalm quickly transitions into a powerful affirmation of God as the psalmist's sole good and portion, declaring, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing" ([Psalms 16:2](/psalms/16-2 "Psalms 16:2 - God as My Sole Good")). It then moves to express joy and security found in God's counsel and presence, with David declaring, "I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken" ([Psalms 16:8](/psalms/16-8 "Psalms 16:8 - God Always Before Me")). The psalm culminates in a profound prophetic declaration of hope beyond death, anticipating resurrection and eternal joy in God's presence: "For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your Holy One see corruption" ([Psalms 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalms 16:10 - You Will Not Abandon My Soul")). Thus, verse 1 sets the stage for a psalm that moves from a plea for immediate protection to a profound declaration of eschatological hope and the certainty of future glory.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to King David, this psalm likely emerges from a life frequently marked by peril and opposition. David's journey, from a shepherd boy facing Goliath to a king constantly battling enemies and navigating political intrigue, provided ample reason for him to seek divine protection. The cultural understanding of a king in ancient Israel often involved reliance on divine favor for success and safety, as the king was seen as God's anointed representative. The concept of "trust" (Hebrew: _chasah_) in the ancient Near East was not merely a passive belief but an active seeking of refuge, often in a physical sanctuary or under the protection of a powerful patron. David's plea reflects this cultural understanding of seeking shelter under the wings of the Almighty, a common biblical metaphor. His life experiences, documented throughout books like [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Rise of David") and [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - The Reign of King David"), consistently highlight his reliance on God in times of distress and triumph, illustrating a life lived in active dependence upon the Lord.

* **Key Themes:** The opening verse introduces several key themes that resonate throughout Psalms 16 and the broader Psalter. The most prominent is **Divine Preservation**, where God is acknowledged as the ultimate source of safety and deliverance from all forms of harm, both physical and spiritual. This is directly linked to **Unwavering Trust**, as the psalmist's plea is explicitly rooted in his complete and active reliance on God. This trust is not a passive hope but an intentional act of leaning entirely on God for security and well-being. Implicitly, the verse also introduces the theme of **God as Refuge**, portraying Him as a safe haven and shelter from life's storms. This concept is foundational to the psalmist's worldview, where true security is found only in the Lord, a sentiment echoed in many other psalms, such as [Psalms 91](/psalms/91 "Psalms 91 - God Our Refuge and Fortress") which beautifully elaborates on God as a dwelling place and fortress for those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High. This foundational trust ultimately undergirds the psalm's profound anticipation of **Resurrection and Eternal Life**, a hope that transcends immediate dangers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Preserve (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** This imperative verb (H8104) means "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc." It implies active, vigilant safeguarding. David is not merely asking for rescue from a current danger but for continuous, comprehensive divine oversight and protection over his life. This word speaks to God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, providing a watchful, encompassing guardianship.
* **Trust (Hebrew, _châçâh'_):** This verb (H2620) literally means "to flee for protection" or "to confide in." It carries a strong connotation of seeking refuge or shelter, like finding cover under the wings or shadow of a powerful entity. It's not a passive belief but an active, intentional movement towards God as one's ultimate sanctuary. The psalmist is declaring that his very act of seeking refuge is in God alone, emphasizing a deep, personal reliance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Michtam of David.":** This superscription (H4387), unique to six psalms (16, 56-60), is a technical term whose exact meaning is debated. Common interpretations include "golden psalm," "engraved psalm," or "a psalm for inscription," suggesting a composition of significant value, perhaps meant to be remembered or permanently recorded. It indicates the psalm's enduring importance and its attribution to King David (H1732), grounding it in the historical and spiritual experience of Israel's paradigmatic king.
* **"Preserve me, O God:":** This is a direct, urgent plea to God (H410). The imperative "Preserve" (Hebrew: _shamarnī_) highlights the psalmist's recognition of his vulnerability and his absolute dependence on divine protection. It's a cry for God to actively guard, keep, and watch over him, implying a comprehensive safeguarding from all harm, both seen and unseen. The address "O God" (Hebrew: _ʾĒl_) emphasizes God's supreme power, might, and ability to fulfill this request.
* **"for in thee do I put my trust.":** This clause provides the foundational reason for the plea. The conjunction "for" (Hebrew: _kī_) introduces the justification: David's request for preservation is rooted in his established, active, and complete reliance on God. The phrase "put my trust" (Hebrew: _chasah_) signifies an intentional act of taking refuge in God, fleeing to Him for shelter and security. It's a declaration of absolute confidence and reliance, not merely a passive hope, but an active commitment of his entire being to God's care, making God his ultimate sanctuary.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 16:1 employs several powerful literary devices that enhance its impact. The most prominent is **Plea and Declaration**, where the verse opens with an urgent supplication ("Preserve me, O God") immediately followed by a declarative statement of faith ("for in thee do I put my trust"). This juxtaposition highlights the intimate connection between human need and divine faithfulness, demonstrating that the plea is not one of desperation but of confident reliance. The use of **Direct Address** ("O God") creates a personal and intimate tone, emphasizing the psalmist's direct, unmediated relationship with the divine, fostering a sense of vulnerability and profound dependence. Furthermore, the underlying **Imagery** of "trust" (Hebrew _chasah_) implicitly evokes the vivid picture of someone fleeing for shelter, seeking refuge under the protective covering of a powerful entity, much like a bird seeking shelter under its mother's wings or a person finding cover from a storm. This active imagery underscores the dynamic and intentional nature of true faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 16:1 lays a foundational theological principle: the believer's security and well-being are inextricably linked to their active trust in God. This verse encapsulates the essence of biblical faith, which is not merely intellectual assent but a profound, active reliance on the character and power of God in the face of life's uncertainties. It affirms God as the ultimate protector and refuge, whose preservation is sought by those who have committed themselves to Him. This relationship of trust forms the basis for all further blessings and hope articulated in the psalm, including the hope of resurrection and eternal life in God's presence. It teaches that true security is not found in human strength or worldly resources, but solely in the divine covenant faithfulness.

* [Psalms 91:2](/psalms/91-2 "Psalms 91:2 - God as My Refuge and My Fortress")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Isaiah 26:3-4](/isaiah/26-3-4 "Isaiah 26:3-4 - Perfect Peace for Those Who Trust in God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 16:1 offers a timeless model for the believer's response to life's challenges. In a world fraught with anxiety, uncertainty, and potential harm, this verse calls us to a proactive and intentional act of faith. It teaches us that our first instinct in times of need should be to turn to God, not merely out of desperation, but from a posture of established trust. Our plea for preservation is strengthened by our prior commitment to place our entire reliance on Him. This verse encourages us to cultivate a lifestyle where God is our primary refuge, acknowledging that true security, peace, and well-being are found only in Him. It reminds us that our trust should not be a last resort but the very foundation upon which all our prayers and actions are built, leading us to a deeper, more intimate walk with our sovereign Protector. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate security lies and to reorient our hearts to find our shelter solely in the Almighty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find it most challenging to fully "put your trust" in God, especially when faced with uncertainty or fear?**
* **How does the active nature of "trust" (fleeing for refuge) in this verse challenge or affirm your current understanding and practice of faith?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to more intentionally seek God as your refuge and express your trust in Him through prayer, worship, or obedience?**

### FAQ
**What does "Michtam of David" mean, and why is it important?**

Answer: "Michtam of David" is a technical superscription found in six psalms (16, 56-60). While its exact meaning is debated among scholars, common interpretations include "golden psalm," "engraved psalm," or "a psalm for inscription." It is generally understood to signify a psalm of enduring value, a precious or weighty composition perhaps meant to be remembered, inscribed, or even a psalm for atonement. Its importance lies in identifying the psalm's author (David) and hinting at its profound significance and lasting spiritual weight, suggesting it contains truths worthy of deep contemplation and preservation for future generations.

**How does David's plea for preservation relate to his declaration of trust?**

Answer: David's plea, "Preserve me, O God," is directly linked to and justified by his declaration, "for in thee do I put my trust." The conjunction "for" (Hebrew: _kī_) indicates that his trust is the very reason and foundation for his request. It's not a desperate cry from someone without hope, but a confident appeal from one who has already committed his life to God as his refuge. This demonstrates that genuine trust in God empowers us to confidently ask for His protection and intervention, knowing that He is faithful to those who rely on Him. This dynamic is seen throughout the Psalms, where the psalmist's confidence in God's character fuels their petitions, as in [Psalms 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation"), which declares, "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?"

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 16:1, with its plea for preservation rooted in trust, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While David's trust was in God for his earthly preservation and a hope beyond death, Christ perfectly embodied this trust and experienced its ultimate vindication. Jesus, in His earthly life, perfectly "put His trust" in the Father, even in the face of immense suffering and the cross, as seen in His prayer in [Gethsemane](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane") where He submitted to the Father's will, and His cry from the cross, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" ([Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus Commits His Spirit")). The preservation David sought finds its eschatological climax in Christ's resurrection, which is explicitly prophesied in the latter part of Psalms 16. Peter, on the Day of Pentecost, quotes [Psalms 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalms 16:10 - You Will Not Abandon My Soul to Hades") to demonstrate that David was speaking prophetically of Christ's resurrection, declaring that God would not abandon His Holy One to decay ([Acts 2:25-31](/acts/2-25-31 "Acts 2:25-31 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")). Thus, the "preservation" and "trust" of Psalms 16:1 are not merely for a temporal deliverance but point forward to the eternal preservation and glorification found in Christ, who, by His perfect trust and resurrection, secures eternal life and joy in God's presence for all who take refuge in Him ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). He is the true Michtam, the "golden" or "engraved" one, whose life and resurrection are the enduring testament to God's perfect preservation.

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

Isaiah 26:3

Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 26:4

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:

Psalms 56:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.

Psalms 17:8

¶ Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

Psalms 116:6

The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

Jeremiah 17:7

Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

Jeremiah 17:8

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.