Psalms86

Psalm 86 is a prayer of David, where he humbly appeals to the Lord for mercy and preservation, acknowledging his own neediness and trust in God. He extols God's unique greatness, goodness, and readiness to forgive, declaring that there is none like Him among the gods. David seeks divine guidance and deliverance from his adversaries, confident that the Lord will answer and provide a token of His help.

Plea for Mercy and Protection

1
A prayer of David: Listen, ADONAI, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. ​
2
Preserve my life, for I am faithful; save your servant, who puts his trust in you because you are my God. ​
3
Take pity on me, Adonai, for I cry to you all day.
4
Fill your servant's heart with joy, for to you, Adonai, I lift my heart.

The Foundation of God's Goodness

5
Adonai, you are kind and forgiving, full of grace toward all who call on you. ​
6
Listen, ADONAI, to my prayer; pay attention to my pleading cry.
7
On the day of my trouble I am calling on you, for you will answer me.

Yahweh's Unrivaled Majesty

8
There is none like you among the gods, Adonai; no deeds compare with yours. ​
9
All the nations you have made will come and bow before you, Adonai; they will honor your name. ​
10
For you are great, and you do wonders; you alone are God.

Prayer for Guidance and a Unified Heart

11
ADONAI, teach me your way, so that I can live by your truth; make me single-hearted, so that I can fear your name. ​
12
I will thank you, Adonai my God, with my whole heart; and I will glorify your name forever.
13
For your grace toward me is so great! You have rescued me from the lowest part of Sh'ol. ​

Deliverance from Violent Foes

14
God, arrogant men are rising against me, a gang of brutes is seeking my life, and to you they pay no attention.
15
But you, Adonai, are a merciful, compassionate God, slow to anger and rich in grace and truth. ​
16
Turn to me, and show me your favor; strengthen your servant, save your slave-girl's son. Give me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me will see it and be ashamed, because you, ADONAI, have helped and comforted me.
17
Give me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me will see it and be ashamed, because you, Adonai, have helped and comforted me. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 86

Verse 1

The Psalmist begins by emphasizing his absolute dependence on God, describing himself as 'poor and needy' (or afflicted and helpless), which establishes the tone of humble reliance.

Verse 2

The term 'I am holy' (Hebrew: *hasid*) means 'pious' or 'covenantally faithful.' David appeals not to his own moral perfection, but to his devoted relationship with God, trusting in God's steadfast love (*hesed*).

Verse 5

This verse provides the theological basis for the Psalmist's confidence. It lists God's attributes—goodness, readiness to forgive, and abundant mercy—affirming that God's character guarantees a positive response to prayer.

Verse 8

This section shifts to a declaration of Yahweh’s incomparable nature. The Psalmist affirms that among the functional deities (*gods*) worshipped by other nations, none possess the power or creative works of the true God.

Verse 9

This is a prophetic vision, moving beyond the individual crisis to affirm that all nations, created by God, will eventually come to worship and glorify Him alone.

Verse 11

The request 'Teach me thy way' shows the Psalmist's desire for moral and spiritual instruction. To 'unite my heart' is a prayer for singleness of focus, ensuring devotion is not divided among conflicting loyalties.

Verse 13

The phrase 'lowest hell' (Sheol) is metaphorical for profound danger or the brink of death. David praises God for past deliverance from utter despair, reinforcing his certainty that God can save him again.

Verse 15

This verse is a crucial theological affirmation, echoing the foundational description of God given to Moses (Exodus 34:6). It emphasizes God’s patience (*longsuffering*), compassion, and faithfulness (*truth*).

Verse 17

The Psalmist asks for a visible 'token for good'—a sign of divine intervention. This sign is requested not just for personal comfort, but so that his enemies witness God's favor and are shamed by their godless opposition.

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