Psalms 86:2

KJV

Preserve my soul; for I [am] holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Preserve {H8104}{H8798)} my soul {H5315}; for I am holy {H2623}: O thou my God {H430}, save {H3467}{H8685)} thy servant {H5650} that trusteth {H982}{H8802)} in thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Preserve my life, for I am faithful; save your servant, who puts his trust in you because you are my God.

Berean Standard Bible

Preserve my soul, for I am godly. You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You.

American Standard Version

Preserve my soul; for I am godly: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 86:2 presents a profound and intimate prayer from David, appealing to God for preservation and salvation. His fervent plea is not based on self-righteousness but on a deep, covenantal relationship, acknowledging his status as God's devoted servant and one who places unwavering trust in the Almighty. This verse encapsulates the essence of a righteous individual humbly yet confidently seeking divine intervention, highlighting God's faithfulness to those who are truly His.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 86 is uniquely titled "A Prayer of David," immediately setting the tone for a deeply personal and direct address to God. Verse 2 follows David's initial, urgent cry in [Psalms 86:1](/psalms/86-1 "Psalms 86:1 - David's Plea for Mercy"), where he implores God to "bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy." This establishes David's posture of humility and dependence before making specific requests. The entire psalm is a composite lament and supplication, weaving together pleas for help, affirmations of God's character, and expressions of trust, culminating in a request for a sign of God's goodness in [Psalms 86:17](/psalms/86-17 "Psalms 86:17 - A Plea for a Sign of God's Goodness"). It stands as a classic example of individual lament within the Psalter, often reflecting the struggles and triumphs of a king or leader.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the superscription attributes this psalm to David, the specific historical circumstances are not detailed. However, David's life was replete with periods of distress, flight from enemies (e.g., Saul, Absalom), and personal trials, making such a prayer entirely fitting for his experiences. In ancient Israelite culture, the king was seen as God's anointed, a "servant" (עֶבֶד, _'eved'_) with a special covenant relationship. His well-being was often intertwined with the nation's. David's appeal for preservation and salvation would have resonated deeply within a culture that understood divine protection as paramount for both individual and national flourishing. The concept of "holiness" or "godliness" (חָסִיד, _chasid_) was tied to covenant fidelity and ethical conduct, not just ritual purity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is rich with several foundational themes prevalent throughout the [book of Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms - Songs and Prayers of Israel"). Firstly, **Divine Preservation and Salvation** is central, as David explicitly asks God to "Preserve my soul" and "save thy servant," underscoring God's power and willingness to deliver His faithful. Secondly, the theme of **Personal Relationship and Covenant Faithfulness** is evident in David's address, "O thou my God," and his self-identification as "thy servant." This highlights the intimacy and mutual commitment within the covenant. Thirdly, **Trust and Dependence on God** forms the bedrock of David's plea, "that trusteth in thee." This unwavering faith is presented as a compelling reason for God's intervention, echoing the wisdom found in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart"), which encourages complete reliance on the Lord. Finally, the concept of **Piety and Godliness** is introduced with "for I [am] holy," which, as will be explored, refers to a devoted and faithful character, not sinless perfection, aligning with the call for God's people to live set apart lives (e.g., [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** This term (נֶפֶשׁ) in Hebrew is broad, often referring to the whole person, the inner being, life, or vitality. When David prays, "Preserve my soul," he is not merely asking for the preservation of an immaterial part of himself, but for the safeguarding of his very existence, his life, and his well-being from all dangers, both physical and spiritual. It encompasses his identity and his being in its entirety.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _chasid'_):** The Hebrew word (חָסִיד) translated "holy" here is better rendered as "godly," "pious," "devout," or "one who is faithful." It describes a person who is the recipient of God's _hesed_ (steadfast love, covenant loyalty) and who, in turn, demonstrates loyalty and devotion to God. It signifies a person who walks in integrity and faithfulness to God's covenant, not one who claims sinless perfection. David is appealing to God based on his genuine devotion and covenant relationship, not on his own merit.
* **Servant (Hebrew, _'eved'_):** This term (עֶבֶד) denotes a bondservant, a slave, or more broadly, one who is dedicated to the service of another. In the context of God, it signifies a person who belongs to God, is committed to His will, and is under His authority. David, as king, still humbly identifies himself as God's servant, emphasizing his submission and dependence, which is a powerful basis for his appeal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Preserve my soul;":** This is an urgent plea for divine protection and sustenance. David recognizes his vulnerability and God's sovereign power to maintain his life and well-being. It's a comprehensive request for safety from all forms of harm or destruction, encompassing his physical, emotional, and spiritual existence.
* **"for I [am] holy:":** This clause provides the first reason for God to act. As discussed, "holy" here means "godly" or "devout" (חָסִיד). David is asserting his sincere devotion and faithfulness to God, appealing to the covenant relationship where God protects those who are loyal to Him. It's a statement of his character and standing before God, not a boast.
* **"O thou my God,":** This is an intimate and personal address. David emphasizes his unique, covenantal relationship with the Lord. By calling God "my God," he expresses ownership, trust, and the deep bond of faith that exists between them, appealing to God's specific commitment to him.
* **"save thy servant":** This is the second primary request, parallel to "Preserve my soul," but perhaps more focused on deliverance from specific dangers or enemies. The title "thy servant" reinforces his humble submission and belonging to God, reminding God of His obligation to protect His own.
* **"that trusteth in thee.":** This final clause provides the ultimate ground for David's appeal: his unwavering faith and reliance on God. David presents his trust as a compelling reason for God's intervention, acknowledging that God is faithful to those who depend on Him completely. His trust is not a passive hope but an active, confident reliance on God's character and power.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 86:2 employs several literary devices to enhance its emotional and theological impact. **Apostrophe** is prominently featured as David directly addresses God ("O thou my God"), creating a sense of intimacy and urgency in his prayer. There is a subtle form of **Parallelism** in the two main petitions: "Preserve my soul" and "save thy servant," both expressing a desire for divine deliverance, though perhaps with slightly different nuances (preservation of life vs. rescue from danger). The use of **Ethos** is evident as David establishes his credibility and character before God by stating "for I [am] holy" and identifying as "thy servant that trusteth in thee." This isn't a boast but an appeal based on his covenant fidelity and humble dependence. The entire verse functions as a **Supplication**, a humble and earnest prayer, characterized by direct address and clear petitions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 86:2 powerfully articulates the theological truth that God is the ultimate Preserver and Savior of those who are truly His. David's appeal, rooted in his identity as "holy" (devoted) and "servant" who "trusteth in thee," underscores the covenantal nature of God's relationship with His people. It teaches that while God's grace is sovereign, our posture of genuine piety, humble submission, and unwavering trust provides the framework within which we confidently approach Him for help. This verse affirms God's faithfulness to His promises and His particular care for those who walk in His ways, demonstrating that true godliness is not a means to earn salvation but a characteristic of those who already belong to Him and thus can appeal to His covenant loyalty.

* [1 Samuel 2:9](/1_samuel/2-9 "1 Samuel 2:9 - God Preserves His Saints")
* [Psalm 37:28](/psalms/37-28 "Psalm 37:28 - The Lord Loves Justice and Will Not Forsake His Saints")
* [2 Timothy 1:12](/2_timothy/1-12 "2 Timothy 1:12 - Paul's Trust in God's Preservation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 86:2 provides a timeless model for our own prayer lives. It encourages us to approach God with a blend of profound humility and confident assurance. Like David, we are called to acknowledge our dependence on God ("Preserve my soul," "save thy servant") and ground our petitions in our relationship with Him. Our "holiness" or godliness, understood as our devotion and faithfulness to Christ, and our identity as "servants" of the Most High, are not boasts of self-merit but rather the very characteristics that define our belonging to God and give us access to His throne of grace. Most importantly, our prayers must be undergirded by unwavering trust. When we truly rely on God's character and power, we can confidently appeal to Him, knowing that He hears and preserves those who are genuinely His. This verse challenges us to cultivate a life marked by sincere devotion and complete reliance on God, recognizing that these are the foundations for a vibrant and effective prayer life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I express my "trust" in God in my daily life, beyond mere words?**
* **How does my understanding of being "holy" (devoted) influence the way I approach God in prayer?**
* **What specific areas of my "soul" (my whole being) do I need God to preserve or save today?**
* **How does identifying myself as "thy servant" shape my perspective on trials and God's will?**

### FAQ

**What does David mean by "for I [am] holy" in this verse? Is he claiming to be sinless?**

Answer: No, David is not claiming sinless perfection. The Hebrew word translated "holy" here is _chasid_ (חָסִיד), which means "godly," "pious," "devout," or "one who is faithful." It describes a person who is the object of God's steadfast love (_hesed_) and who, in turn, demonstrates loyalty, devotion, and covenant faithfulness to God. David is appealing to God based on his sincere devotion, his genuine relationship, and his walk of integrity before the Lord, not on his own inherent merit or lack of sin. He is identifying himself as one who belongs to God and seeks to live in accordance with His will, providing a basis for God to act on his behalf as a faithful covenant partner. This understanding aligns with other passages where David acknowledges his sinfulness (e.g., [Psalms 51:1-4](/psalms/51-1 "Psalms 51:1-4 - David's Prayer of Repentance")).

**How does David's trust in God relate to God's action of preserving and saving him?**

Answer: David's trust is presented as a compelling and foundational reason for God's intervention. It's not that his trust *earns* God's action, but rather that it aligns him with God's character and promises. God is faithful to those who place their faith in Him. David's trust signifies his complete dependence on God, acknowledging God's sovereignty, power, and goodness. This active reliance demonstrates a right relationship with God, making David a fitting recipient of divine preservation and salvation. It underscores a key biblical principle: God honors faith. His trust is the human response to God's prior faithfulness, making him one whom God delights to save and sustain, as seen throughout the narratives of God's deliverance of His people (e.g., [Psalm 34:22](/psalms/34-22 "Psalm 34:22 - The Lord Redeems the Soul of His Servants")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 86:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's plea to "Preserve my soul" and "save thy servant" foreshadows the perfect Servant of God who perfectly trusted in the Father. Jesus, the Son of God, truly embodied the meaning of _chasid_ (godly/devout) in His sinless life and unwavering obedience, being truly "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ Our High Priest")). He was the quintessential "servant" of the Lord, taking "the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ Taking the Form of a Servant")) and perfectly fulfilling the Father's will even unto death. His trust in God was absolute, even in the face of suffering and death, as demonstrated by His prayers in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). The Father did indeed "preserve His soul" through resurrection, not from death, but through it, raising Him to life and glorifying Him. For believers, our "holiness" and status as "servants" who "trust in God" are found _in Christ_. We are made "holy and blameless" through His sacrifice ([Colossians 1:22](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Holy and Blameless in Christ")), and our preservation and salvation are secured by His finished work and ongoing intercession ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Jesus Gives Eternal Life")). Thus, David's prayer becomes the prayer of all who are united to Christ, trusting in the God who has already preserved and saved us through His Son.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 4:3

But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

Psalms 25:2

O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

Psalms 18:19

He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

Psalms 119:94

¶ I [am] thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.

Isaiah 26:3

Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 26:4

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:

Psalms 31:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.