Psalms 31:16

Context

Psalm 31 is a heartfelt prayer of David, expressing deep distress and vulnerability, yet punctuated by profound trust in God. The psalmist is surrounded by enemies, suffering physical affliction, and feeling isolated. This verse, "Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake," comes as a specific plea for divine favor and intervention amidst his trials, rooted in his identity as God's servant and his unwavering faith in God's steadfast love.

Key Themes

• Divine Favor and Presence: The petition "Make thy face to shine upon thy servant" is a profound request for God's active presence, blessing, and approval. It signifies a desire for God's light to dispel the darkness of distress and bring comfort and guidance. This imagery is deeply rooted in ancient biblical expressions of divine blessing.
• Salvation and Deliverance: The cry "save me" is comprehensive, encompassing deliverance from physical danger, emotional despair, and the schemes of enemies. It reflects David's complete reliance on God for rescue from his overwhelming circumstances.
• God's Mercy as the Foundation: The crucial phrase "for thy mercies' sake" highlights that the psalmist's hope for salvation is not based on his own merit or righteousness, but solely on God's unchanging character—His abundant compassion and covenant loyalty.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Make thy face to shine" (Hebrew: 'or panim) directly echoes the ancient priestly blessing found in Numbers 6:25, signifying God's benevolent presence and favor. The word "mercies" (Hebrew: chesed or hesed) is a rich theological term that conveys God's steadfast love, covenant faithfulness, and loyal kindness. It's a foundational attribute of God's character, particularly emphasized in times of human need.

Related Scriptures

This verse beautifully intertwines themes found throughout Scripture. The plea for God's shining face connects directly to the Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:25. The psalmist's reliance on God's mercy for salvation is a constant refrain in the Psalms, echoing sentiments found in Psalm 51:1 and aligning with God's self-revelation of His merciful nature in Exodus 34:6.

Practical Application

Psalm 31:16 offers a powerful model for prayer in times of personal crisis or spiritual need. It encourages believers to:

• Seek God's Presence: To earnestly desire God's favor and guidance, recognizing that His light can dispel any darkness.
• Cry out for Deliverance: To bring our specific needs and fears before God, trusting in His ability to save us from various forms of distress.
• Rest in God's Character: To anchor our hope and petitions not in our own worthiness, but in the boundless mercy and steadfast love of God, knowing that His compassion is unfailing.

This verse reminds us that even in our deepest struggles, we can confidently approach our sovereign God as His servants, relying on His unfailing mercies for salvation and peace.