bal and 'aph in Psalm 16

I was having a look at Psalm 16 today and noted it uses the words בל bal and אף aph a few times (4x & 3x respectively); they also occur quite often together in Scripture.

Where else are they found?

To explain what I searched for, when I look up בל and אף and when they occur within the same chapter, Accordance tells me there are 69 hits in only 49 verses. Which means they often occur together - not just the same chapter but the same verse.

They're pretty popular together in Proverbs, a little bit through the other psalms, but it's really Isaiah where they occur lots and lots. Isaiah 26 has 7x בל and 3x אף; ch.33 also has 7x בל but only 1x אף. Isaiah 40:24 has three sets of  אף בל, and 44 has four of each. 

So what do they even mean?

I once wanted to try and write an article on בל but then realised (1) I had too much on and (2) I was well out of my depth. But it's a fascinating particle, it just means "not" but seems to have an emphatic force and is often used in poetic contexts. (I also wonder if it plays a similar role to μη but wondering is the most research I've done on the topic.)

Similarly אף seems to be emphatic, but it's positive: "surely." It's a homograph (written the same as) for the word for "nose" and also "anger" - think a bull with angry steam coming out of its nose. 

How are they helpful in understanding Psalm 16?

As I read through Psalm 16 I am struck by the certainty of the psalmist. They recognise that Yhwh alone is their hope, Yhwh alone is the giver of good things, Yhwh alone is the source of security in a turbulent world. These two particles then point to not just a description of Yhwh but to an appropriate commitment to him, of the creature to their creator. 

This is also not just a commitment of things that the psalmist would do in their love for Yhwh, but also a commitment of what they would not do. As the wonderful BCP prayer confesses, we ask God for forgiveness not just of sins committed, but also good omitted. This psalm however promises to both do the good and to not do the evil. 

The key verses; בל in bold, אף underlined

16:2 I said to Yhwh, You are my lord / my goodness is not anywhere but you;

16:4 They multiplied their sorrows, they run after others / I will certainly not pour out to them libations of blood / I will certainly not lift up their name on my lips.

16:6 Boundaries fell to me in pleasant [places] / Surely the possession is beautiful to me.

16:7 I will bless Yhwh who counsels me, / surely by night my kidneys instruct me.

16:8 I set Yhwh before me always, / for from my right hand I won’t be shaken.

16:9 Therefore my heart rejoices, my mass rejoices / surely my flesh dwells securely.

In sum

The psalmist exudes a confidence in God's character and protection which causes them to trust in God, to preach the gospel to themselves, because he is trustworthy and a certain shelter in the storm.