July 3, 2005

MY SOUL IN HELL

Psalm 16:10

 

   Few expressions in the Bible could strike the human heart with greater fear and alarm. This phrase from Psalm 16:10 is intended, not as a stand-alone, but describes a condition remedied only by resurrection. David began, "Preserve me, O God: for in Thee do I put my trust" (Psa. 16:1), and praised God rejoicing in His goodness. He added, "The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places ; yea, I have a goodly heritage. I will bless the LORD, who has given me counsel: my thoughts will instruct me in the night seasons," and concluded, "I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved" (16:5-8).

   Even during the night, what could be darker than death. Yet his contemplation of death could not move him or cause unrest. He was not alarmed by such thoughts. "Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope." And what was David's hope, that "Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption." David was simply saying that he knew God would not leave him in the grave, but that He would raise him from the dead. As God's anointed King or "holy one," he also expected that resurrection would erase all traces of corruption. David believed in the God of resurrection and this was his hope: "Thou (God) wilt shew me the path of life (in resurrection): in thy presence (with a glorified body) is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (16:8-1). What a Psalm of joy and hope beyond the grave and prophecy of Christ!

   What comfort to know this is not just our interpretation, for both Peter and Paul (Acts 2 & 13) announced the resurrection of Christ using this very Psalm proclaiming the risen Savior to Israel . Our hope is also linked to Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.

   His spirit was dismissed to the Father, His body to the grave where death had dominion. His next ministry was not to the underworld, but to announce His resurrection to the twelve preparing them for ministry to Israel , and finally He appeared to Paul for us!

 

Ivan L. Burgener