1. Hebrews 5:7 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

How does Heb. 5:7 relate to Ps. 116?

Hebrews 5:7 (ESV)

7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.

Verse 7 contains many words from Psalm 116, the song of thanks that looks back on salvation from the danger of death.1 The poet thanks God for having heard his supplication (Psalm 116:1). The snares of death encompassed him, but he called on the name of the Lord: Lord, save my life! (Psalm 116:3–4). The Lord saved him (Psalm 116:6) and redeemed his life from death (Psalm 116:8), so that he may walk in the land of the living (Psalm 116:9). In any case, Psalm 116 and Hebrews 5:7 have the key concepts of pleading, hearing, and saving from death in common. Only the words because of his deep reverence of God have no parallel in Psalm 116.2