I believed
This phrase emphasizes the importance of faith as a foundational element in the life of a believer. The psalmist's declaration of belief is reminiscent of Abraham's faith, which was "credited to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6). Faith is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, serving as the basis for a relationship with God. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in 2 Corinthians 4:13, where he quotes this psalm to illustrate the spirit of faith that compels believers to speak. The act of believing is not passive but active, leading to a response or declaration.

therefore I said
The connection between belief and speech is significant. In biblical times, spoken words held great power and were often seen as a reflection of one's inner convictions. This phrase suggests that true faith naturally results in verbal expression. The psalmist's declaration is an example of how faith can lead to a public confession, similar to the way the early Christians professed their faith despite persecution. This aligns with Romans 10:10, which states, "For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."

“I am greatly afflicted.”
The psalmist's admission of affliction highlights the reality of suffering in the life of a believer. This acknowledgment does not negate faith but rather demonstrates its depth. The psalmist's affliction can be seen as a type of Christ, who was "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3). The expression of distress is a common theme in the Psalms, where lament often leads to a deeper trust in God. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's people experiencing trials, such as the Israelites in Egypt or the early church facing persecution. The psalmist's honesty about his suffering serves as a reminder that faith does not eliminate hardship but provides the strength to endure it.

1. Psalmist
The author of Psalm 116, traditionally attributed to King David, who expresses personal faith and affliction.

2. God
The central figure to whom the psalmist directs his faith and cries for help.

3. Affliction
The state of suffering or distress that the psalmist is experiencing, prompting his declaration of faith.

4. Jerusalem
While not directly mentioned in this verse, it is often the setting for many of the Psalms, representing the spiritual and physical center of worship for the Israelites.

5. Israel
The nation to whom the Psalms were originally given, representing the collective experience of God's people.Faith in Affliction
True faith is often tested in times of trouble. The psalmist's declaration, "I believed, therefore I said," highlights the importance of maintaining faith even when circumstances are dire.

The Power of Confession
Speaking out one's faith, especially in difficult times, can be a powerful act of trust and reliance on God. It aligns with the biblical principle that belief and confession are interconnected.

Honesty in Prayer
The psalmist's candid admission of affliction teaches us that we can and should be honest with God about our struggles. God values sincerity and transparency in our relationship with Him.

Encouragement for Others
Sharing our experiences of faith and affliction can encourage others who are going through similar trials. Our testimonies can be a source of strength and hope.

Growth Through Trials
Afflictions can lead to spiritual growth and deeper faith. As we trust God through our difficulties, we develop perseverance and maturity in our walk with Him.(10, 11) I believed, therefore have I spoken.--This is the rendering of LXX. and Vulg., and it has become almost proverbial from St. Paul's adaptation of it (2Corinthians 4:13; see New Testament Commentary). And no doubt this is the sense of the words, though the particle khi has been taken in a wrong connection. Mr. Burgess has certainly given the true explanation of the use of this particle. It sometimes follows instead of preceding the verb affected by it. We must render, It is because I believed that I spoke (of God's graciousness, &c.). What follows then comes in as an antithesis. I was in great trouble; I said in my pain, "All men are untrustworthy or deceitful" Or (LXX.), In an ecstasy of despair I said, "The whole race of mankind is a delusion." The meaning of the whole passage may be thus put: It is through trust in God that I thus speak (as above--viz., of God being glorious and righteous, and of His preserving the souls of the simple). It was not always so. Once in distrust I thought that God did not care for man, and that the whole of humanity was a failure. The word ch?phez, rendered in Authorised Version haste, more properly alarm, is in Job 40:23 contrasted with trust, as it is here with faith. For the sense failure or vanity for the word rendered in Authorised Version liars, see Isaiah 58:11 ("fail;" margin, "lie or deceive").

Verses 10, 11. - Parenthetic and obscure. Both the connection and rendering are doubtful. Professor Cheyne translates, "I was confident that I should speak thus;" i.e. even while my affliction was going on, I felt confident that relief would come, and that I should one day speak as I have just spoken. I was, however, too sorely afflicted to give utterance to my feeling. Instead of so doing, I vented my unhappiness in abuse of my fellow-men. Thus understood, the words are an apologia. Verse 10. - I believed, therefore have I spoken. So the LXX., Ἐπίστευσα διὸ ἐλάλησα. But many other meanings are suggested. See the preceding paragraph. I was greatly afflicted (comp. ver. 3).

Parallel Commentaries ...


I believed,
הֶ֭אֱמַנְתִּי (he·’ĕ·man·tî)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 539: To confirm, support

therefore
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I have spoken:
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר (’ă·ḏab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

“I
אֲ֝נִ֗י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

am greatly
מְאֹֽד׃ (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

afflicted.”
עָנִ֥יתִי (‘ā·nî·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6031: To be bowed down or afflicted


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OT Poetry: Psalm 116:10 I believed therefore I said I was (Psalm Ps Psa.)