Bible Commentary: Psalm 86

You are here

Bible Commentary

Psalm 86

Login or Create an Account

With a UCG.org account you will be able to save items to read and study later!

Sign In | Sign Up

×

Psalm 86 is a prayerful lament of David, wherein he cries out to God for mercy. This is the only psalm in Book III with David's name in the title. Certain key phrases are found in other psalms of David. "I am poor and needy" (verse 2), referring to his lowly, humbled state and need for God's saving help, is also found in Psalm 40:17 (repeated in Psalm 70:5). "To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul" (Psalm 86:4) is also found in Psalm 25:1 (compare Psalm 143:8). And "Teach me Your way, O Lord" (Psalm 86:11), showing his deep longing to know and follow God's laws, is also found in Psalm 27:11.

David doesn't give the specifics of his affliction but it is dire—as he perceived himself headed toward "the depths of Sheol" (verse 13), that is, the grave. And his predicament involved a proud mob of violent, godless men who sought his life (verse 14). David is troubled by his situation "all day long" (verse 3), and its remedy requires God's forgiveness (verse 5). A number of other psalms of David follow this familiar pattern.

In the NKJV translation of verse 2, David prays, "Preserve my life, for I am holy." The word translated "holy" here is not the typical Hebrew word meaning holy, qodesh or kadesh. Rather, the Hebrew word here is hasid, translated "godly" in Psalm 4:3: "But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly." However, the word hasid is closely related to the word hesed, used in Psalm 86 for God's mercy, lovingkindness or covenant faithfulness. In context of the rest of verse 2, David seems to be stressing his relationship to God—that he is loyal and faithful to God. The NIV translates his words as, "...for I am devoted to you." Thus, David is not saying he is worthy of saving because of some self-inherent goodness. He is instead basing His plea on the relationship He has with God—one of mutual covenant faithfulness.

"Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord," David declares in verse 8, answering the rhetorical question posed in Exodus 15:11. None of the pagan gods of the surrounding nations are even real—though real demonic spirits may pose as them (compare 1 Corinthians 10:20). That David does not believe in pagan gods is clear, for he states, "You alone are God"—appropriately spelled in English with a capital G (verse 10). He foresees the time when the nations worshipping false gods will learn about their true Creator and glorify Him (verse 9)—which we see more about in the next psalm.

Besides expressing his desire to know and follow God's teachings (verse 11), David also asks for an "undivided" heart so that he can properly fear God and sincerely praise Him (verses 11-12). And note that he is confident that he will be able to do so forevermore (verse 12) because, as he is sure, God will have delivered him from his life-threatening situation (verse 13).

The description of God's compassion and mercy in verse 15 appears drawn from God's description of Himself to Moses in Exodus 34:6.

David concludes Psalm 86 with a final plea for mercy, strengthening and deliverance (verse 16), asking for a positive sign on his behalf (verse 17)—not to help him believe, as he already does, but so that his enemies will be put to shame.