TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 86:1–7. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
This psalm was published under the title of a prayer of David; not as if David sung all his prayers, but into some of his songs he inserted prayers; for a psalm will admit the expressions of any pious and devout affections. But it is observable how very plain the language of this psalm is, and how little there is in it of poetic flights or figures, in comparison with some other psalms; for the flourishes of wit are not the proper ornaments of prayer. Now here we may observe,
I.The petitions he puts up to God.
It is true, prayer accidentally may preach, but it is most fit that (as it is in this prayer) every passage should be directed to God, for such is the nature of prayer as it is here described (Psa 86:4): Unto thee, O Lord! do I lift up my soul, as he had said Psa 25:1. In all the parts of prayer the soul must ascend upon the wings of faith and holy desire, and be lifted up to God, to meet the communications of his grace, and in an expectation raised very high of great things from him.
1.He begs that God would give a gracious audience to his prayers (Psa 86:1): Bow down thy ear, O Lord! hear me. When God hears our prayers it is fitly said that he bows down his ear to them, for it is admirable condescension in God that he is pleased to take notice of such mean creatures as we are and such defective prayers as ours are. He repeats this again (Psa 86:6): "Give ear, O Lord! unto my prayer, a favourable ear, though it be whispered, though it be stammered; attend to the voice of my supplications." Not that God needs to have his affection stirred up by any thing that we can say; but thus we must express our desire of his favour. The Son of David spoke it with assurance and pleasure (Joh 11:41, Joh 11:42), Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me; and I know that thou hearest me always.
2.He begs that God would take him under his special protection, and so be the author of his salvation (Psa 86:2): Preserve my soul; save thy servant. It was David's soul that was God's servant; for those only serve God acceptably that serve him with their spirits. David's concern is about his soul; if we understand it of his natural life, it teaches us that the best self-preservation is to commit ourselves to God's keeping and by faith and prayer to make our Creator our preserver. But it may be understood of his spiritual life, the life of the soul as distinct from the body: "Preserve my soul from that one evil and dangerous thing to souls, even from sin; preserve my soul, and so save me." All those whom God will save he preserves, and will preserve them to his heavenly kingdom.
3.He begs that God would look upon him with an eye of pity and compassion (Psa 86:3): Be merciful to me, O Lord! It is mercy in God to pardon our sins and to help us out of our distresses; both these are included in this prayer, God be merciful to me. "Men show no mercy; we ourselves deserve no mercy, but, Lord, for mercy-sake, be merciful unto me." 4. He begs that God would fill him with inward comfort (Psa 86:4): Rejoice the soul of thy servant. It is God only that can put gladness into the heart and make the soul to rejoice, and then, and not till then, the joy is full; and, as it is the duty of those who are God's servants to serve him with gladness, so it is their privilege to be filled with joy and peace in believing, and they may in faith pray, not only that God will preserve their souls, but that he will rejoice their souls, and the joy of the Lord will be their strength. Observe, When he prays, Rejoice my soul, he adds, For unto thee do I lift up my soul. Then we may expect comfort from God when we take care to keep up our communion with God: prayer is the nurse of spiritual joy.
II.The pleas with which he enforces these petitions.
1. He pleads his relation to God and interest in him: "Thou art my God, to whom I have devoted myself, and on whom I depend, and I am thy servant (Psa 86:2), in subjection to thee, and therefore looking for protection from thee." 2. He pleads his distress: "Hear me, for I am poor and needy, therefore I want thy help, therefore none else will hear me." God is the poor man's King, whose glory it is to save the souls of the needy; those who are poor in spirit, who see themselves empty and necessitous, are most welcome to the God of all grace. 3. He pleads God's good will towards all that seek him (Psa 86:5): "To thee do I lift up my soul in desire and expectation; for thou, Lord, art good;" and whither should beggars go but to the door of the good house-keeper? The goodness of God's nature is a great encouragement to us in all our addresses to him. His goodness appears in two things, giving and forgiving. (1.) He is a sin-pardoning God; not only he can forgive, but he is ready to forgive, more ready to forgive than we are to repent. I said, I will confess, and thou forgavest, Psa 32:5. (2.) He is a prayer-hearing God; he is plenteous in mercy, very full, and very free, both rich and liberal unto all those that call upon him; he has wherewithal to supply all their needs and is openhanded in granting that supply. 4. He pleads God's good work in himself, by which he had qualified him for the tokens of his favour. Three things were wrought in him by divine grace, which he looked upon as earnests of all good: - (1.) A conformity to God (Psa 86:2): I am holy, therefore preserve my soul; for those whom the Spirit sanctifies he will preserve. He does not say this in pride and vain glory, but with humble thankfulness to God. I am one whom thou favourest (so the margin reads it), whom thou hast set apart for thyself. If God has begun a good work of grace in us, we must own that the time was a time of love. Then was I in his eyes as one that found favour, and whom God hath taken into his favour he will take under his protection. All his saints are in thy hand, Deu 33:3. Observe, I am needy (Psa 86:1), yet I am holy (Psa 86:2), holy and yet needy, poor in the world, but rich in faith. Those who preserve their purity in their greatest poverty may assure themselves that God will preserve their comforts, will preserve their souls. (2.) A confidence in God: Save thy servant that trusteth in thee. Those that are holy must nevertheless not trust in themselves, nor in their own righteousness, but only in God and his grace. Those that trust in God may expect salvation from him. (3.) A disposition to communion with God. He hopes God will answer his prayers, because he had inclined him to pray. [1.] To be constant in prayer: I cry unto thee daily, and all the day, Psa 86:3. It is thus our duty to pray always, without ceasing, and to continue instant in prayer; and then we may hope to have our prayers heard which we make in the time of trouble, if we have made conscience of the duty at other times, at all times. It is comfortable if an affliction finds the wheels of prayer a-going, and that hey are not then to be set a-going. [2.] To be inward with God in prayer, to lift up his soul to him, Psa 86:4. Then we may hope that God will meet us with his mercies, when we in our prayers send forth our souls as it were to meet him. [3.] To be in a special manner earnest with God in prayer when he was in affliction (Psa 86:7): "In the day of my trouble, whatever others do, I will call upon thee, and commit my case to thee, for thou wilt hear and answer me, and I shall not seek in vain, as those did who cried, O Baal! hear us; but there was no voice, nor any that regarded," Kg1 18:29.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"Make glad the soul of Your servant: for unto You, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul" [Psalm 86:4]. Make it glad, for unto You have I lifted it up. For it was on earth, and from the earth it felt bitterness: lest it should wither away in bitterness, lest it should lose all the sweetness of Your grace, I lifted it up unto You: make it glad with Yourself. For You alone are gladness: the whole world is full of bitterness. Surely with reason He admonishes His members to lift up their hearts. May they hear and do it: may they lift up unto Him what on earth is ill. There the heart decays not, if it be lifted up to God. If you had grain in your rooms below, you would take it up higher, lest it should grow rotten. Would you remove your grain, and do you suffer your heart to rot on the earth? You would take your grain up higher: lift up your heart to heaven. And how can I, do you say? What ropes are needed? What machines? What ladders? Your affections are the steps: your will the way. By loving you mount, by neglect you descend. Standing on the earth you are in heaven, if you love God. For the heart is not so raised as the body is raised: the body to be lifted up changes its place: the heart to be lifted up changes its will.
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Summary
Psalms 86:4 is a profound prayer from David, expressing a deep and urgent plea for God to infuse his inner being with joy, grounded in an unwavering declaration of his complete devotion and surrender to the Lord. It encapsulates the humble yet confident supplication of a servant who recognizes that true spiritual solace and gladness originate solely from God, especially amidst personal distress, as he wholly commits his soul to the divine.
Context
Literary Context
Psalms 86, uniquely titled "A Prayer of David," stands as a fervent individual lament within the Psalter, distinguished by its intense supplication, expressions of profound dependence, and appeals to God's inherent character. David consistently intersperses his pleas for deliverance and divine intervention with affirmations of God's goodness, mercy, and unparalleled uniqueness among all deities. Verse 4 flows seamlessly from David's initial appeals for God's attentive ear and gracious response in Psalms 86:1-3. His request to "rejoice the soul" in this verse is not merely a desire for external relief but a deeper yearning for internal restoration and comfort, which he firmly grounds in his devoted relationship with God. This intimate connection and reliance are further emphasized as the psalm progresses, highlighting God's readiness to hear and answer the prayers of His faithful, as seen in Psalms 86:5-7.
Historical & Cultural Context
Composed by King David, a figure frequently besieged by external enemies and internal struggles, this psalm reflects the common ancient Near Eastern practice of individuals, including monarchs, appealing to their deity in times of profound distress. Kings, despite their earthly power, were understood as servants of the divine, and their prayers often encompassed both personal well-being and the security of their nation. The concept of "lifting up the soul" (Hebrew: nāśā' nepeš) was a deeply ingrained spiritual posture in Israelite worship and personal devotion, signifying a complete turning of one's inner being—thoughts, emotions, will, and very essence—towards the divine in earnest prayer and supplication. The cultural understanding of the "soul" (Hebrew: nephesh) was holistic, encompassing the entire person's life, desires, emotions, and vitality, making the plea for God to "rejoice the soul" a comprehensive request for spiritual flourishing and holistic well-being.
Key Themes
Psalms 86:4 significantly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Benevolence, portraying God as the exclusive source of true joy, inner peace, and the one uniquely capable of transforming human inner states. The verse also serves as a profound illustration of Personal Piety and Absolute Dependence, as David, despite his royal stature, humbly identifies as God's "servant" and expresses an absolute reliance on divine intervention for his spiritual and emotional well-being. Furthermore, it illuminates the Nature of Prayer, presenting it not as a mere ritual but as a sincere, wholehearted act of devotion where the supplicant pours out their entire being before God, trusting implicitly in His responsiveness and compassion. This theme of trusting God with one's entire being is beautifully echoed in Psalms 62:8. Finally, the verse touches upon the profound theme of Spiritual Joy Amidst Adversity, demonstrating that genuine gladness is not contingent upon favorable external circumstances but is a divine gift, readily available even when facing hardship, a truth also found in Psalms 4:7.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means "to brighten up," or figuratively, "to be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome." In the Hiphil stem, as used in Psalms 86:4, it is causative, meaning "to make joyful," "to cause to rejoice." David is not passively hoping for happiness but actively imploring God to supernaturally infuse his soul with joy. This implies a divine act of restoration, comfort, and spiritual upliftment, suggesting that true, deep-seated joy is a sovereign gift from God, especially vital in times of distress or spiritual weariness.
This is a profound and evocative Hebrew idiom. Nâsâʼ (H5375) means "to lift, carry, bear," encompassing a wide variety of applications, both literal and figurative. Nephesh (H5315) refers to the "soul," "life," "being," or "person," used very widely to describe one's vitality, desires, and entire inner self. To "lift up one's soul" to God signifies an act of complete and earnest devotion, a spiritual posture of profound trust, longing, and surrender. It means to direct one's entire being—all thoughts, emotions, desires, and hopes—towards God in prayer, placing oneself entirely at His disposal and relying exclusively on Him. It is an expression of deep spiritual aspiration and intimate communion, a total commitment of the self to the divine.
Verse Breakdown
"Rejoice the soul of thy servant:"
David's opening plea is direct, personal, and urgent. He identifies himself as God's "servant" (Hebrew: עֶבֶד, ‘ebed, H5650), a term that signifies both humble submission and a privileged, covenantal relationship with the divine. The request to "rejoice the soul" (Hebrew: נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh, H5315) is a heartfelt cry for inner renewal and spiritual gladness. This is not a superficial happiness but a profound, God-given joy that penetrates the deepest part of his being, suggesting a restoration of his inner peace, vitality, and emotional well-being. This request implies that David's soul is currently in a state that requires divine intervention to be made joyful, perhaps burdened by sorrow, anxiety, or spiritual dryness.
"for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul."
This clause provides the essential justification and profound foundation for David's preceding request. The conjunction "for" (Hebrew: כִּי, kî) introduces the reason or basis of his appeal. He grounds his petition in his unwavering devotion and complete reliance on God. The act of "lifting up his soul" to the Lord (Hebrew: אֲדֹנָי, ʼĂdônây, H136, an emphatic form used as a proper name for God) signifies a total spiritual commitment, a complete surrender of his deepest self, his hopes, fears, and entire being into God's hands. This demonstrates an exclusive trust and an earnest, heartfelt prayer that expects a divine response, indicating that his entire existence is oriented towards and dependent upon God.
Literary Devices
Psalms 86:4 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the two clauses articulate similar ideas in distinct yet reinforcing words: "Rejoice the soul of thy servant" finds its echo and justification in "for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul." The act of lifting one's soul to God is presented as the very reason or prerequisite for God to "rejoice" that soul, creating a cause-and-effect relationship. There is also a subtle Anthropomorphism in the idea of God "rejoicing" a soul, attributing a human-like action (causing joy or delight) to the divine, thereby making God's interaction with humanity more relatable and intimate. Furthermore, the phrase "lift up my soul" functions as a powerful Metaphor for profound prayer, complete spiritual surrender, and total reliance. It is not a literal physical act but a vivid image conveying the totality of David's devotion and exclusive dependence on God.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse profoundly articulates the theological truth that God is the ultimate and exclusive source of true joy, inner peace, and spiritual vitality. It highlights the deeply personal and relational nature of faith, where a servant of God can boldly and intimately appeal to their Lord for emotional and spiritual restoration, knowing that God is both willing and able to respond. The act of "lifting up the soul" underscores the absolute necessity of wholehearted devotion and exclusive reliance on God in prayer, affirming that genuine spiritual solace and flourishing are found not in external circumstances or human efforts, but in complete surrender to the divine will and character. This posture of dependence and trust is a recurring and foundational theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing that our deepest needs are met when we turn fully and unreservedly to the Creator.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 86:4 offers a timeless and deeply practical blueprint for approaching God in prayer, especially when our souls feel burdened, distressed, or lacking in spiritual joy. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is not distant or indifferent to our inner states but actively desires to infuse us with His divine gladness and peace. The "lifting up" of our soul signifies a complete and unreserved surrender—not merely our words or requests, but our entire being, encompassing our hopes, fears, anxieties, and deepest longings. This kind of prayer is far more than a mere formality; it is a profound act of trust and dependence, acknowledging that true and lasting joy and peace are gifts from God alone, unattainable through worldly pursuits or self-effort. In a world that often seeks happiness in fleeting pleasures, external achievements, or superficial distractions, David's prayer redirects us to the only inexhaustible source of spiritual joy: the Lord Himself. It encourages us to bring our authentic selves, our raw emotions, and our most profound needs before Him, confident that as His beloved servants, He delights in responding to our earnest and wholehearted appeals.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean to "rejoice the soul"?
To "rejoice the soul" (Hebrew: śāmaḥ nepeš) means for God to actively infuse or fill one's inner being with profound gladness, joy, and spiritual restoration. It's not merely a fleeting emotion or superficial happiness, but a deep, abiding sense of well-being, contentment, and divine delight that originates directly from God. In the context of David's prayer, it implies a sovereign divine intervention to alleviate distress, sorrow, or spiritual weariness, and to bring inner peace and profound delight, suggesting that true spiritual joy is a supernatural gift from the Lord, as beautifully expressed in Psalms 16:11.
Why does David say, "for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul"?
This clause provides the essential justification and profound foundation for David's preceding request to have his soul rejoiced. It signifies his complete and exclusive devotion, trust, and surrender to God. "Lifting up one's soul" (Hebrew: nāśā' nepeš) is a powerful idiom for earnest, wholehearted prayer and absolute reliance. It means directing one's entire being—thoughts, emotions, desires, and very essence—towards God, placing all hopes, needs, and vulnerabilities before Him. David is asserting that his hope and reliance are solely on the Lord, thus God is the only one who can truly "rejoice" his soul. This posture of absolute dependence and spiritual orientation towards God is a hallmark of genuine faith and intimate communion, as powerfully seen in Psalms 62:5.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 86:4 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the perfect embodiment of divine joy and the one to whom all souls are called to be lifted in complete surrender. David's profound longing for God to "rejoice his soul" foreshadows the deep, abiding spiritual gladness that Christ offers to all who come to Him in faith. Jesus Himself extends the gracious invitation to the weary and burdened, promising, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). This promised rest is not merely a cessation of physical labor but a profound, soul-satisfying peace and joy that only He, the Prince of Peace, can provide. The act of "lifting up the soul" finds its highest and most efficacious expression in lifting our hearts, lives, and entire beings to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). He is the one in whom "the fullness of joy" is found (John 15:11), and through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, He pours God's love and divine joy directly into the hearts of believers (Romans 5:5). Thus, the fervent prayer of David is answered definitively and eternally in Christ, who not only rejoices our souls but becomes the very object of our deepest devotion, the source of our eternal gladness, and the ultimate fulfillment of every spiritual longing.