Psalms 86:17

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.

Shew {H6213}{H8798)} me a token {H226} for good {H2896}; that they which hate {H8130}{H8802)} me may see {H7200}{H8799)} it, and be ashamed {H954}{H8799)}: because thou, LORD {H3068}, hast holpen {H5826}{H8804)} me, and comforted {H5162}{H8765)} me.

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.

Show me a sign of Your goodness, that my enemies may see and be ashamed; for You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Show me a token for good, That they who hate me may see it, and be put to shame, Because thou, Jehovah, hast helped me, and comforted me.

Psalms 86:17 is the concluding verse of a heartfelt prayer by David, expressing his deep trust in God amidst distress and opposition. It encapsulates his plea for a visible manifestation of divine favor and help, not only for his personal assurance but also for the vindication of God's name before his adversaries.

Context

Psalm 86 is a "Prayer of David," categorized as a psalm of supplication. Throughout the psalm, David appeals to God's character as merciful, gracious, and abundant in truth (Psalm 86:15), seeking deliverance from his enemies, guidance, and strength. He acknowledges his complete dependence on the Lord in times of trouble. This final verse serves as a powerful summary of his request for God's intervention and a public display of His faithfulness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Vindication: David asks for a "token for good," a clear sign of God's favor and intervention. The purpose is explicitly stated: "that they which hate me may see [it], and be ashamed." This highlights a desire for God to publicly demonstrate His justice and righteousness, silencing the mockers and shaming those who oppose His servant. It's a prayer for God to turn the tables on his adversaries.
  • God's Faithfulness and Comfort: The basis for David's bold request is his past experience: "because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me." He recalls God's consistent help and comfort in previous trials, building his confidence for the present need. This remembrance of God's past mercies fuels his present faith and forms the foundation of his plea. This echoes themes found in other psalms of trust, such as God's comforting presence in the valley of the shadow of death.
  • Prayer for a Visible Sign: The word "token" (Hebrew: ʾōṯ) implies a visible, undeniable sign or wonder. David isn't just asking for internal comfort, but for an outward manifestation of God's hand that even his enemies cannot deny. This request is not about doubt, but about the public glory of God and the vindication of His servant.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "holpen me" is an archaic form of "helped me," directly translating the Hebrew verb עָזַר (ʿāzar), meaning to help, succor, or give aid. This emphasizes God's active, supportive role in David's life. The word "token" (Hebrew: אוֹת, ʾōṯ) signifies a sign, a distinguishing mark, or a miracle, implying something tangible and demonstrable that serves as proof or confirmation.

Practical Application

Psalms 86:17 encourages believers today to:

  • Pray with Boldness: Like David, we can confidently ask God for clear signs of His working in our lives, especially when facing opposition or doubt.
  • Remember Past Blessings: Recalling how God has "holpen" and "comforted" us in the past strengthens our faith for present and future challenges. This practice builds a foundation of trust.
  • Trust in Divine Vindication: When unfairly treated or maligned, we can pray for God to reveal His righteousness and silence accusers, trusting that He will ultimately bring justice and shame upon those who oppose His truth. This aligns with the principle of leaving vengeance to the Lord.
This verse reminds us that God is not only our private Comforter but also our public Vindicator, whose glory is revealed through His faithfulness to His people.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 41:10

    But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them.

  • Psalms 41:11

    By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

  • Judges 6:17

    And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.

  • Psalms 71:20

    [Thou], which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

  • Psalms 71:21

    Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.

  • Micah 7:8

    Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD [shall be] a light unto me.

  • Micah 7:10

    Then [she that is] mine enemy shall see [it], and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.

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