What is the meaning of Psalm 31:16?

Make Your face shine

- David asks, “Make Your face shine” (Psalm 31:16). In Scripture, God’s shining face is a literal picture of His personal favor and pleasure. When the Lord’s face turns toward someone, blessing follows (Numbers 6:24-26).

- Darkness lifts under that light. Just as sunlight dispels night, God’s attentive presence scatters fear and confusion (Psalm 4:6; Psalm 80:3).

- This is not a vague wish; it is confidence that the Creator truly looks, listens, and responds (1 Peter 3:12).

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on Your servant

- David identifies himself as “Your servant.” He stands in a real, covenant relationship with God, gladly acknowledging God’s authority (Psalm 119:125).

- Servant language reminds us that submission invites grace (James 4:6-10). Those who humble themselves under God’s mighty hand are lifted up.

- Because Scripture is accurate and literal, we know that the title “servant” is not empty; it carries the promise that the Master cares for His own (Isaiah 54:17; John 12:26).

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save me

- The request is direct: “save me.” David expects tangible rescue—physical, emotional, and spiritual (Psalm 34:17-19).

- Salvation in the Old Testament often includes deliverance from enemies, but it points ahead to the fuller salvation God provides in Christ (Romans 10:13).

- The verse shows that calling on God for help is rooted in certainty, not wishful thinking (2 Samuel 22:3-4).

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by Your loving devotion

- The ground of David’s plea is God’s “loving devotion.” This steadfast love is the unbreakable covenant mercy that never runs dry (Psalm 36:7; Lamentations 3:22-23).

- David is not appealing to his own merit. He anchors his hope in God’s proven faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 57:10).

- Because God’s love is immutable, the rescue requested in this verse is secure and sure (Psalm 13:5; Ephesians 2:4-5).

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summary

Psalm 31:16 is a compact but powerful prayer. David, the Lord’s servant, seeks the literal, shining favor of God’s face, confident that such attention brings life and blessing. He asks for concrete salvation, resting entirely on God’s unwavering, covenant love. The verse teaches that believers today can call on the same faithful God, expecting His light and deliverance because His loving devotion never fails.