“No man can by any means redeem his brother or give to God a ransom for him, for the redemption of his soul is costly, and he should cease trying forever, that he should live on eternally, that he should not undergo decay” (Psa 49:7–9 [8–10]).
Psalm 49:9 [10] provides an important textual witness in support of the New Testament faith, though this is not immediately obvious. This psalm invites God’s people to reflect on the finality of death in order to gain wisdom. In verse 14 [15], the psalmist employs a play on the verb “to shepherd” to make his point vivid and memorable. Because the verb “rʿh” means “to shepherd” and also “to graze” (see Gerald Wilson, NIVAC, p. 751), the verse can be translated in two ways: “Like sheep, death will shepherd those appointed to Sheol.” Or, “Like sheep, death will graze upon, that is, feast upon the bodies of, those appointed to Sheol.” The second half of the verse strengthens this imagery, as Sheol “consumes” their forms, that is, their bodies.
Thus, a careful reading of Psalm 49 strengthens the case even further that Psalm 16 anticipates something greater than David. It provides internal support within the Psalms for Peter’s Messianic interpretation.
This reference to bodily decay in Sheol sheds light on another Hebrew phrase in verse 9 [10]. Although the noun “shachat” can mean “pit,” the verbal form means “to destroy” (see Gen 6:13; 1 Sam 26:15). Thus, the phrase “to see shachat” may function as deliberate wordplay: “to see the pit” or “to undergo decay.” The context suggests that both senses are intended.
How, then, does this support the New Testament? This same phrase, “to see shachat,” appears only once more in the Hebrew Bible, in Psalm 16:10. Some argue that it means God prevents David from going to the grave. However, its usage in Psalm 49 points more naturally to the meaning “to undergo decay.” If so, David is not merely saying he will avoid death, but that God’s Holy One will not experience bodily decay after death. This is precisely Peter’s point: the statement cannot ultimately refer to David, since he died and his body did decay.
Thus, a careful reading of Psalm 49 strengthens the case even further that Psalm 16 anticipates something greater than David. It provides internal support within the Psalms for Peter’s Messianic interpretation.
