Finding the Cross of Jesus in the Psalm 16:8-11

Updated: Jan 22, 2021

Psalm 16:8-11

I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your Holy One see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:8–11 is the first actual messianic prophecy of Jesus’s resurrection. At the day of Pentecost Peter cited this Psalm to show that the promises of God were fulfilled in Jesus. Rather than me paraphrasing I'll let Peter tell you why this is a messianic prophecy of Jesus' resurrection. 

Acts 2:22-36

[22] “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—[23] this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. [24] God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. [25] For David says concerning him, "I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; [26] therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. [27] For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. [28] You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ [29] “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. [30] Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, [31] he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. [32] This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses [33] Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. [34] For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, "The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, [35] until I make your enemies your footstool.” [36] Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

It doesn't stop there; God has given us the same Holy Spirit as Christ and because of what Jesus did on the cross we too can believe like Jesus believed. If you believe that Jesus is the Lord and has been crucified for your sins you obtain the following promises (given to us by the Holy Spirit) spelled out in Psalm 16:8–11. 

If you believe that Jesus is your crucified Christ:

• You will NOT be shaken (Psalm 16:8)
• Your heart WILL be glad (Psalm 16:9)
• Your whole being WILL rejoice (Psalm 16:9)
• You will NOT be abandoned to hell (Psalm 16:10)
• Your life will NOT be filled with corruption (Psalm 16:10)
• You WILL be given the path of LIFE (Psalm 16:11)
• You WILL have the presence of God and the fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11)
• WE WILL FOREVER HAVE PLEASURE IN GOD (Psalm 16:11)

Thank you, Jesus!