Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 116:10

"I believe, for I will speak: I was greatly afflicted:" — Psalms 116:10 (ASV)

I believed, therefore have I spoken - This, in the Septuagint and Latin Vulgate, begins a new psalm, but without any good reason. This language is borrowed by the Apostle Paul to express his confidence in the truth of the gospel, and the effect that this confidence had on him, causing him to declare the truth (2 Corinthians 4:13).

The meaning here is that in the time of his affliction the psalmist had true faith in God; and, as a result of that, he was now able to speak as he did. At that time, he trusted in God; he called on him; he sought his mercy, and God heard his prayer. And now, as a consequence of that, he was enabled to give utterance to these thoughts. Faith was at the foundation of his recovery, and he was now reaping the fruits of faith.

I was greatly afflicted - In danger of death. The psalmist reviewed this now, and he saw that all that he had felt and dreaded was real. He was in imminent danger. There was occasion for the tears which he shed. There was reason for the earnestness of his cry to God.