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.
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Plea for Mercy and Protection

1
A Prayer of David. Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy. ​
2
Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. ​
3
Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.
4
Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

The Foundation of God's Goodness

5
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. ​
6
Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.
7
In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.

Yahweh's Unrivaled Majesty

8
Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. ​
9
All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. ​
10
For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.

Prayer for Guidance and a Unified Heart

11
Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. ​
12
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
13
For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. ​

Deliverance from Violent Foes

14
O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.
15
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. ​
16
O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.
17
Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen 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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