Psalms 86
Psalm 86 is a psalm known as a prayer of David. Overall, it takes the form of the earnest plea of an individual who seeks the LORD’s grace and mercyandin which the psalmist earnestly pleads for God’s mercy and seeks His favor. This psalm can be divided into three major parts: a petition (verses 1–7) that seeks help in suffering, praise for God’s character and deeds (verses 8–13), and again, a plea for salvation and a statement of confidence (verses 14–17).
1verseA Prayer by David. Hear, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
2versePreserve my soul, for I am godly. You, my God, save your servant who trusts in you.
3verseBe merciful to me, Lord, for I call to you all day long.
4verseBring joy to the soul of your servant, for to you, Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5verseFor you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, abundant in loving kindness to all those who call on you.
6verseHear, LORD, my prayer. Listen to the voice of my petitions.
7verseIn the day of my trouble I will call on you, for you will answer me.
8verseThere is no one like you among the gods, Lord, nor any deeds like your deeds.
9verseAll nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord. They shall glorify your name.
10verseFor you are great, and do wondrous things. You are God alone.
11verseTeach me your way, LORD. I will walk in your truth. Make my heart undivided to fear your name.
12verseI will praise you, Lord my God, with my whole heart. I will glorify your name forever more.
13verseFor your loving kindness is great toward me. You have delivered my soul from the lowest Sheol.
14verseGod, 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.
15verseBut you, Lord, are a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth.
16verseTurn to me, and have mercy on me! Give your strength to your servant. Save the son of your servant.
17verseShow 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.
Explanation of the Flow of the Passage
- Verses 1–7: The psalmist mentions his humbled condition and asks for God’s mercy. Repeating several times that God should hear him, he confesses that only God is the one who answershim.
- Verses 8–13: Here, we offer praise for God’s greatness and compassion, and for the history of salvation. He declares that God alone is unique and that all nations will worship before God. Even in the midst of this, he personally asks for God’s guidance and commits himself to fear the LORD.
- Verses 14–17: The psalmist pleads again in the face of hardship, mentioning the attacks of those who want to harm him. However, he continues to trust in God’s compassion, asks for deliverance, and prays that God would show a sign of grace in his life.
Overall Meaning and Message
Psalm 86 shows a human being who trusts in God amid suffering and earnestly seeks help by relying on His compassion and loving-kindness. The psalmist lays his situation and himself plainly before God, exalts God, and renews his hope. This psalm awakens us to the importance of our relationship with God, prayer, and praise even in the hardships of lifeto keep in mind.
Points for Reflection
- In pain and difficulty, ask yourself whether you are trusting in God’s compassion and grace. Take a moment to
- reflect on how deeply you meditate on God’s character (goodness, loving-kindness, patience, and faithfulness). Consider whether you are doing what you should, like David, openly laying your situation before God and ultimately moving forward in trust that praises and clings to Him.
Applying It to My Life
- Even in suffering, pray to God and trust Him: When there is a problem, confess your own weakness and ask for God’s help.
- : Have a heart that praises God: The harder and more tiring things become, practice prayers that praise God’s greatness and mercy.
- : Keep your relationship with God strong: Even in everyday life, be honest with God about your heart and live a life that draws near to Him.
