Psalms 16:7
I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
Original Language Analysis
אֲבָרֵ֗ךְ
I will bless
H1288
אֲבָרֵ֗ךְ
I will bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
1 of 9
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְ֭הוָה
the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְעָצָ֑נִי
who hath given me counsel
H3289
יְעָצָ֑נִי
who hath given me counsel
Strong's:
H3289
Word #:
5 of 9
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
אַף
H637
אַף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
6 of 9
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
לֵ֝יל֗וֹת
me in the night seasons
H3915
לֵ֝יל֗וֹת
me in the night seasons
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
Cross References
Isaiah 50:4The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.Psalms 73:24Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.Psalms 17:3Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.Psalms 77:6I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.Psalms 42:8Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.Psalms 63:6When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.Proverbs 8:14Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.Isaiah 48:17Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.Isaiah 26:9With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.Psalms 119:55I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.
Historical Context
Reflects ancient understanding of kidneys as the seat of conscience and emotions, parallel to heart. Night instruction suggests God's word penetrating dreams and meditation.
Questions for Reflection
- How actively do you seek God's counsel through Scripture and prayer?
- Are you attentive to how God instructs you in quiet, reflective moments?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
David blesses God who 'counsels' him, with his heart instructing him 'in the night.' The Hebrew 'ya'ats' (counsel) indicates wise guidance. The kidneys (Hebrew 'kilyot,' often translated 'heart') instructing at night suggests God's intimate, ongoing teaching even in rest. This anticipates the Holy Spirit's role as Counselor (John 14:26) who brings things to remembrance and guides into truth.