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
Hear, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. ​
2
Preserve my soul, for I am godly. You, my God, save your servant who trusts in you. ​
3
Be merciful to me, Lord, for I call to you all day long.
4
Bring joy to the soul of your servant, for to you, Lord, do I lift up my soul.

The Foundation of God's Goodness

5
For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive; abundant in loving kindness to all those who call on you. ​
6
Hear, LORD, my prayer. Listen to the voice of my petitions.
7
In the day of my trouble I will call on you, for you will answer me.

Yahweh's Unrivaled Majesty

8
There is no one like you among the gods, Lord, nor any deeds like your deeds. ​
9
All nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord. They shall glorify your name. ​
10
For you are great, and do wondrous things. You are God alone.

Prayer for Guidance and a Unified Heart

11
Teach me your way, LORD. I will walk in your truth. Make my heart undivided to fear your name. ​
12
I will praise you, Lord my God, with my whole heart. I will glorify your name forever more.
13
For your loving kindness is great toward me. You have delivered my soul from the lowest Sheol. ​

Deliverance from Violent Foes

14
God, the proud have risen up against me. A company of violent men have sought after my soul, and they don’t hold regard for you before them.
15
But you, Lord, are a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth. ​
16
Turn to me, and have mercy on me! Give your strength to your servant. Save the son of your handmaid.
17
Show me a sign of your goodness, that those who hate me may see it, and be shamed, because you, LORD, have helped me, 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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