Psalms 86

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Overview of Psalm 86

Psalm 86 is a prayer of David, reflecting his deep trust in God and his reliance on divine mercy. This chapter emphasizes themes of supplication, worship, and the acknowledgment of God’s greatness. It portrays a heartfelt plea for assistance and protection, illustrating a personal relationship with God.

Structure of Psalm 86

The chapter can be divided into several key sections:

1. Verses 1-4: A Plea for Mercy
   • David calls upon God, expressing his need for help.
   • He identifies himself as poor and needy, highlighting his humility.
   • He asks God to preserve his life and deliver him.
   • David expresses joy in serving God and seeks refuge in Him.
2. Verses 5-7: Acknowledgment of God’s Goodness
   • David recognizes God as forgiving and abundant in mercy.
   • He emphasizes the importance of prayer and calls to God for help.
   • David expresses confidence that God will answer him.
3. Verses 8-10: Declaration of God’s Uniqueness
   • David asserts that there is no one like God among the gods.
   • He praises God’s works and acknowledges His greatness.
   • David expresses a desire for all nations to recognize God’s sovereignty.
4. Verses 11-13: A Request for Guidance
   • David asks God to teach him His ways.
   • He seeks an undivided heart to fear God’s name.
   • David expresses gratitude for God’s great mercy and deliverance from death.
5. Verses 14-17: Acknowledgment of Adversaries
   • David mentions the proud and violent who seek his life.
   • He contrasts their actions with God’s faithfulness.
   • David requests a sign of God’s goodness to strengthen his faith.

Thematic Analysis

Psalm 86 encapsulates several significant themes:

• Dependence on God: David’s repeated calls for help underscore his reliance on God as his source of strength and deliverance.
• Divine Mercy: The psalm highlights God’s forgiving nature and abundant mercy, which are central to David’s appeal.
• Worship and Praise: The acknowledgment of God’s greatness and uniqueness serves as a foundation for David’s worship.
• Guidance and Instruction: David’s request for God to teach him reflects a desire for spiritual growth and understanding.
• Conflict and Adversity: The mention of enemies illustrates the challenges David faces, reinforcing his need for divine intervention.

Theological Implications

This psalm presents important theological insights:

• The Nature of God: God is portrayed as merciful, powerful, and unique, emphasizing His sovereignty over all creation.
• The Role of Prayer: The psalm illustrates the significance of prayer as a means of communication with God and a way to seek His help.
• Human Vulnerability: David’s admission of his poor and needy state reflects the human condition and the need for divine assistance.
• Universal Recognition of God: The desire for all nations to acknowledge God’s greatness suggests a missional aspect to David’s faith.

Conclusion

Psalm 86 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of faith, prayer, and reliance on God amid life’s challenges. David’s heartfelt plea encapsulates the essence of a believer’s relationship with the divine, characterized by trust, worship, and a longing for guidance.