The verse “at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” comes from Psalm 16:11 in the Bible. This beautiful verse points to the eternal joy and blessing that comes from being in God’s presence. Let’s take a closer look at the meaning and significance of this verse.
The Context of Psalm 16
Psalm 16 is attributed to King David and is a psalm of faith and hope in God’s protection and care. In verses 1-2, David expresses his trust in God as his only good. In verses 3-4, David delights in God’s people and refuses to worship idols. In verses 5-6, David affirms that the Lord is his chosen portion and inheritance. Then in verses 7-8, David praises God for counseling and instructing him. Verses 9-10 exclaim David’s confidence in God’s protection. Then verse 11 proclaims the blessing of eternal pleasures at God’s right hand.
The Meaning of “Right Hand”
In verse 11, David states that “at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” In ancient culture, the right hand represented strength and honor. Sitting at someone’s right hand meant you held a position of prestige and divine blessing. Throughout the Bible, being at God’s right hand refers to the honor and authority of Jesus Christ (Psalm 110:1, Mark 16:19). It also indicates the blessed state of believers who are safe under God’s authority and in his presence (Psalm 17:7, Psalm 73:23).
Therefore, David’s declaration that “at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” means that in God’s presence is the fullness of joy. Being at God’s right hand indicates being in relationship with God, protected by his power and delighting in his glory. As such, David looked forward to eternal joy in fellowship with God.
The Pleasures at God’s Right Hand
David stated that in God’s presence are “pleasures forevermore.” What are these eternal pleasures? Commentators point to the delight, peace, fulfillment, and rich blessings found in God’s presence. Some of the pleasures at God’s right hand include:
- The radiance and beauty of God’s glory (Psalm 16:11, Psalm 27:4)
- The joy of intimate fellowship with God (Psalm 16:11, Psalm 21:6)
- The feast of goodness in God’s house (Psalm 16:11, Psalm 36:8)
- The everlasting delights of worshiping God (Psalm 16:11, Psalm 144:15)
- The pleasure of serving God without hindrance (Psalm 16:11, Revelation 22:3)
- The delight of resting in God’s love forever (Psalm 16:11, Zephaniah 3:17)
These pleasures will satisfy our deepest longings for joy, peace, meaning, and purpose. We will enjoy the breathtaking radiance of God’s glory up close. We will bask in intimate friendship with Jesus, the lover of our souls. We will feast abundantly on God’s goodness and celebrate the triumph of his grace forever.
Forevermore
One of the most magnificent parts of Psalm 16:11 is the word “forevermore.” The pleasures found at God’s right hand are not temporary or fleeting. They will last for all eternity. We will enjoy these unspeakable pleasures, delights, and blessings before God’s throne, never growing bored or dissatisfied. After ten thousand years in heaven, we will still marvel at God’s glory and goodness. After ten billion years, we will cry out, “The best is yet to come!” This is almost too wonderful for us to comprehend as finite creatures bound by time and earthly pleasures. Yet this is the certain hope and joyful expectation of all who put their trust in Jesus Christ. The ecstasy of knowing God face-to-face, unhindered by sin or suffering, will be our pleasure forevermore.
David’s Hope and Ours
Psalm 16:11 gave King David strength and hope amidst difficult circumstances. The eternal pleasures at God’s right hand were David’s supreme delight and the reason he praised God’s name. As New Testament believers, these pleasures at God’s right hand are also our hope and joy. While we do not yet see the fullness of these pleasures, we have a foretaste of them now as we walk with Christ each day, through the indwelling Holy Spirit. One day, we will experience them in their fullness. This hope produced in David a profound peace, confidence, and gladness in God. May Psalm 16:11 also fill us with joyful assurance in God’s goodness and deep longing for the day we will bask in his presence forever.
Further Reflection
Psalm 16 invites reflection on the following questions:
- Do I find my chief pleasure and highest treasure in God alone? Or do other things compete for my affections?
- Do I see each day on earth as preparation for enjoying eternal pleasures at God’s right hand?
- Do I cultivate a constant awareness of God’s presence in all I do?
- Do the eternal pleasures at God’s right hand increase my joy and gratitude right now?
- How does delighting in eternal rewards with Christ make me more loving and humble towards others?
May Psalm 16 spur us toFix our hope completely on the grace to be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). Then we can proclaim with David, “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).