Exposition of Psalm 16:5 and Its Meaning
Psalm 16:5 reads, "Yahweh is the portion which is my share and my cup. You hold my lot" [1]. This verse is part of a larger psalm attributed to David, which expresses trust in God's presence and provision.
Literary Context
The surrounding verses in Psalm 16 describe the psalmist's confidence in God as his inheritance and source of blessing. The psalm begins with a declaration of trust (v. 1) and continues with an expression of joy in God's presence (vv. 8-11). Verse 5 is situated within this context, emphasizing God's role as the psalmist's primary good.
Historical Setting
The historical setting of Psalm 16 is uncertain, but its attribution to David suggests a context within the Israelite monarchy. The psalm's themes of trust and confidence in God are consistent with David's experiences as described in other biblical texts.
Key Terms
The term "portion" (Hebrew: nahălâ) refers to an inheritance or share, often used in the context of land distribution among the Israelites. Here, it signifies God's role as the psalmist's spiritual inheritance. The "cup" is a metaphor for God's provision and blessing, as seen in other biblical passages (Psalm 23:5; 116:13) [2].
Major Exegetical Decisions
The interpretation of Psalm 16:5 hinges on understanding the metaphors of "portion," "cup," and "lot." The verse can be seen as expressing the psalmist's reliance on God for both spiritual and material needs. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, the phrase "portion of mine inheritance and of my cup" may allude to the daily supply of food and the inheritance of Levi (Deuteronomy 18:1-2) [4].
Range of Interpretations
Interpretations of Psalm 16:5 vary across traditions. Augustine views the psalm as a whole as referring to the Mediator (Christ) and the Church, with verse 5 expressing the believer's reliance on God [5]. Calvin interprets the "portion" and "cup" as symbols of God's provision and blessing, emphasizing the believer's trust in God's goodness [6]. In Jewish tradition, the concept of God as one's "portion" is also significant, as seen in the Babylonian Talmud and Midrash Rabbah, although these sources do not directly comment on Psalm 16:5 [3, 7].
Traditional Significance
Psalm 16:5 has been significant in Christian and Jewish traditions as an expression of trust in God's provision. The imagery of God as one's "cup" and "portion" has been used to convey the idea of divine blessing and care. The verse continues to be a source of comfort and inspiration, highlighting the believer's reliance on God.
The psalm's themes of trust and confidence in God remain relevant, underscoring the importance of faith in the face of uncertainty. As Calvin notes, the believer's views are carried upward to the Lord, beyond earthly concerns [6].
Sources
- Psalms “Psalms 16:5 (LEB) — Yahweh is the portion which is my share and my cup. You hold my lot.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 16:5: 16:5 The cup of blessing represents God’s provision for all the psalmist’s needs (23:5; see 116:13; cp. 75:8; Isa 51:17).”
- Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Sotah 4b.14: Having interpreted the phrase: “Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 16:5), the Gemara interprets the continuation of the verse. What is the meaning of: “Hand to hand, he shall not be unpunished” (Proverbs 16:5)? Rav says: Anyone who engages in sexual intercourse with an adulteress, even if he were to have attributed possession of heaven and earth to the Holy One, Blessed be He, just as Abraham our forefather did, that it is written with regard to him: “I have lifted up my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Maker of heaven and ea”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 16:5: God is the chief good, and supplies all need (Deu 10:9). portion of mine inheritance and of my cup--may contain an allusion to the daily supply of food, and also to the inheritance of Levi (Deu 18:1-2). maintainest--or, drawest out my lot--enlargest it. Psa 16:7 carries out this idea more fully.”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 8: Augustine — Exposition on Psalms — A PSALM OF DAVID HIMSELF, OF THE CONSUMMATION OF THE TABERNACLE. (part 1): 1. A Psalm of the Mediator Himself, strong of hand, of the perfection of the Church in this world, where she wars in time against the devil. 5. The Prophet speaks, "Bring unto the Lord, O ye Sons of God, bring unto the Lord the young of rams" (ver. 1). Bring unto the Lord yourselves, whom the Apostles, the leaders of the flocks, have begotten by the Gospel.(7) "Bring unto the Lord glory and honour" (ver. 2). By your works let the Lord be glorified and honoured. "Bring unto”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 47: that true inheritance, which, as yet, appeared not. And, to guard against delusion, they received a better promise, which attested that this earth was not the highest measure of the divine kindness. Thus, Abraham is not allowed to keep down his thoughts to the promised land: by a greater promise his views are carried upward to the Lord. He is thus addressed, “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward,” ( Gen. 15:1 ). Here we see that the Lord is the final reward promised to Abraham that he might not seek a fl”
- Midrash Rabbah (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Midrash Rabbah, Vayikra Rabbah 16:5: Another matter, “this shall be the law of the leper.” That is what is written: “Do not allow your mouth to cause your flesh to sin” (Ecclesiastes 5:5). Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi interpreted the verse regarding those who pledge charity publicly but do not give. Rabbi Ḥanina bar Pappa said: It is referring to those who speak slander. Rabbi Binyamin ben Levi interpreted the verse regarding those who are pretenders in their devotion to Torah study. Rabbi Manei interpreted the verse regarding vows…, as it appears in the midrash of Kohelet . 18 Kohelet Rabba 5:5. T”