Psalms 116 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
116:1–2
1-2. A truly grateful love will be evinced by acts of worship, which calling on God expresses (Psa 116:13; Psa 55:16; 86:7; compare Psa 17:6; 31:2).
116:3–4
3-4. For similar figures for distress see Psa 18:4, 5. gat hold upon me--Another sense ("found") of the same word follows, as we speak of disease finding us, and of our finding or catching disease.
116:5–8
5-8. The relief which he asked is the result not of his merit, but of God's known pity and tenderness, which is acknowledged in assuring himself (his "soul," Psa 11:1; 16:10) of rest and peace. All calamities [Psa 116:8] are represented by death, tears, and falling of the feet (Psa 56:13).
116:9
9. walk before the Lord--act, or live under His favor and guidance (Ge 17:1; Psa 61:7). land of the living--(Psa 27:13).
116:10–11
10-11. Confidence in God opposed to distrust of men, as not reliable (Psa 68:8, 9). He speaks from an experience of the result of his faith.
116:12–14
12-14. These are modes of expressing acts of worship (compare Psa 116:4; Psa 50:14; Jon 2:9).
116:15–16
15-16. By the plea of being a homeborn servant, he intimates his claim on God's covenant love to His people.
116:17–19
17-19. An ampler declaration of his purpose, designating the place, the Lord's house, or earthly residence in Jerusalem.