Psalms Chapter 86 A Prayer by David.
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.
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.
8 There is no one like you amongst 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.
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 towards me. You have delivered my soul from the lowest Sheol.
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 servant.
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.
Footnotes
- Verse 13 (Sheol)
- Sheol is the place of the dead.
Version: World English Bible
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Psalms Chapter 86 A Prayer by David. Guide
This psalm is peculiar in many ways. Its first peculiarity is that the name of God which dominates is Adonahy, or Lord, which indicates absolute Lordship, and by the use of which the singer shows his sense of submission and loyalty. The name Jehovah is used four times, thus revealing the singer’s sense of God as Helper; and the name God five times, thus revealing his consciousness of the Divine might. The supreme sense however, is that of the Divine authority.
The next matter of special note is that while the psalm is a beautiful and consecutive song, it is largely composed of quotations from other psalms, thus revealing the singer’s familiarity with them. The references in the Revised Version will enable the reader to trace these quotations.
Finally, the psalm is unique in its method of urging a petition upon the ground of some known fact. This is clearly seen if the use of the word "for" is noticed (vv. Psalms 86:1-5; Psalms 86:7; Psalms 86:10; Psalms 86:13). In the first four verse the facts are those which indicate his attitude toward God. In the first four verses the facts are those which indicate his attitude toward God. In the last four the facts are those revealing God’s attitude toward God. In the last four the facts are those revealing God’s attitude toward him. The revelation for us is that of true approach to God in times of need. This must be based upon our relation of absolute submission to Him. It must be expressed in harmony with spiritual desires as expressed by the fellowship of the faithful. It must be urged in consecration and courage.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Psalms Chapter 86 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- The psalmist pleads his earnestness, and the mercy of God, as reasons why his prayer should be heard. -- (1-7)
- He renews his requests for help and comfort. -- (8-17)
Verses 1-7
Our poverty and wretchedness, when felt, powerfully plead in our behalf at the throne of grace. The best self-preservation is to commit ourselves to God's keeping. I am one whom thou favourest, hast set apart for thyself, and made partaker of sanctifying grace. It is a great encouragement to prayer, to feel that we have received the converting grace of God, have learned to trust in him, and to be his servants. We may expect comfort from God, when we keep up our communion with God. God's goodness appears in two things, in giving and forgiving. Whatever others do, let us call upon God, and commit our case to him; we shall not seek in vain.
Verses 8-17
Our God alone possesses almighty power and infinite love. Christ is the way and the truth. And the believing soul will be more desirous to be taught the way and the truth. And the believing soul will be more desirous to be taught the way and the truth of God, in order to walk therein, than to be delivered out of earthly distress. Those who set not the Lord before them, seek after believers' souls; but the compassion, mercy, and truth of God, will be their refuge and consolation. And those whose parents were the servants of the Lord, may urge this as a plea why he should hear and help them. In considering David's experience, and that of the believer, we must not lose sight of Him, who though he was rich, for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.