Psalm 86
Psalm 86 is a heartfelt prayer of David, asking God for mercy, help, and protection. It expresses deep humility and trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness. The psalm is a combination of personal lament and confidence in God's ability to save and answer prayer. David acknowledges his dependence on God and praises Him, emphasizing God's uniqueness and steadfast love.
Psalm 86:1-10 (NKJV)
1 Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me;
For I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my life, for I am holy;
You are my God;
Save Your servant who trusts in You!
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord,
For I cry to You all day long.
4 Rejoice the soul of Your servant,
For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
5 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,
And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.
6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
And attend to the voice of my supplications.
7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon You,
For You will answer me.
8 Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord;
Nor are there any works like Your works.
9 All nations whom You have made
Shall come and worship before You, O Lord,
And shall glorify Your name.
10 For You are great, and do wondrous things;
You alone are God.
David begins by humbly asking God to listen to his plea, acknowledging his poverty and need. He appeals to God’s faithfulness, trusting that God will preserve and save him because of their covenant relationship. David expresses continual dependence on God's mercy and desires joy for his soul, knowing that God is always ready to forgive and extend mercy. He acknowledges that only the Lord can deliver him in times of trouble. David then shifts to declare God's greatness, affirming that no other gods can compare to Him. He foresees a future where all nations worship the Lord, recognizing His wondrous works and supreme authority.
Psalm 86:11-13 (NKJV)
11 Teach me Your way, O Lord;
I will walk in Your truth;
Unite my heart to fear Your name.
12 I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
And I will glorify Your name forevermore.
13 For great is Your mercy toward me,
And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
David asks God for guidance to walk in truth and for a heart wholly devoted to Him. His prayer reflects a desire to live in reverence toward God and remain faithful. He commits to praising the Lord with all his heart and honoring His name eternally. David acknowledges God’s abundant mercy and recalls past deliverance from danger, possibly referring to moments when he felt close to death or deep distress.
Psalm 86:14-17 (NKJV)
14 O God, the proud have risen against me,
And a mob of violent men have sought my life,
And have not set You before them.
15 But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious,
Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.
16 Oh, turn to me, and have mercy on me!
Give Your strength to Your servant,
And save the son of Your maidservant.
17 Show me a sign for good,
That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed,
Because You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
David describes his distress, mentioning that proud and violent men are threatening his life. He contrasts their hostility with God’s character—compassionate, gracious, patient, and merciful. David asks for God’s mercy, strength, and deliverance, identifying himself as a servant born into faith. He requests a tangible sign of God’s favor, hoping his enemies will recognize God's intervention and be put to shame. David concludes with confidence, knowing that God's help and comfort are always near.