Psalm 31:16

Psalm 31:16, in plain English

He asks God to shine His face on him—to turn His attention toward him with favor—and to save him because of God's unfailing love.

Why it's here

In ancient thought, having someone's 'face' shine on you meant you had their approval and presence. The psalmist is asking God to notice him with kindness, not judgment, and to rescue him not based on what he deserves, but based on God's loyal love.

Who's speaking

David, appealing to God's love rather than his own merit.

Where it sits in the story

This connects to the priestly blessing in Numbers where God is asked to make His face shine on Israel. It connects forward to the confidence that God's face shines on His people through Christ.

The scholarly reading

The psalmist asks God to restore his favor through the radiance of divine presence and to save him through His covenant love.

Language and setting

The phrase 'Make Your face shine on Your servant' (הָאִיר פָּנֶיךָ אֶל־עַבְדְּךָ) invokes the priestly blessing (Numbers 6:25-26) where the 'shining face' of God represents His favor and blessing. The petition to do this 'by Your loving devotion' (בְחַסְדְּךָ) appeals again to the covenantal commitment that constitutes God's essential nature.

Voice

The supplicant, now confidently petitioning for the visible and experiential restoration of God's favor.

Significance

The 'face of God shining' becomes in Christian theology the promise of the Beatific Vision—the ultimate restoration of the severed relationship. In the incarnation, the 'face of God' becomes visible in Christ; Hebrews 1:3 describes Christ as 'the radiance of God's glory.'

14But I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.”

15My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.

16Make Your face shine on Your servant; save me by Your loving devotion.

17O LORD, let me not be ashamed, for I have called on You. Let the wicked be put to shame; let them lie silent in Sheol.

18May lying lips be silenced— lips that speak with arrogance against the righteous, full of pride and contempt.

Read all of Psalm 31 — The words Jesus spoke from the cross first appear here. David commits his spirit to the faithful God who has redeemed him.