Psalms 86 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Psalms 86

The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to various authors, including King David, who is believed to have written the majority of the psalms. Psalm 86 is a personal prayer of David, reflecting his deep faith and trust in God during a time of distress and adversity. David pours out his heart to the Lord in this psalm, seeking divine guidance, protection, and deliverance. He acknowledges God’s greatness, goodness, and faithfulness, and expresses his desire to walk in God’s ways and to be united with Him. The psalm foreshadows David’s unwavering commitment to the Lord, even in the face of his enemies and the challenges he faced as the king of Israel.

Throughout the psalm, David makes references to other biblical passages, such as the Exodus story (Exodus 15:11) and the promise of God’s steadfast love (Psalm 103:8). These allusions serve to reinforce David’s understanding of God’s character and his confidence in the Lord’s ability to deliver him from his troubles.

Psalms 86:1-4

The psalmist in Psalms 86:1-4 cries out, “Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.” Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.” This opening section of Psalm 86 sets the tone of humility, dependence, and trust in God’s mercy and protection.

The psalmist starts by acknowledging his own poverty and neediness, recognizing his utter dependence on God for help and provision. This admission of weakness and reliance on the Lord is a recurring theme throughout the book of Psalms and the Bible as a whole. It highlights the importance of humility in our relationship with God, understanding that we are finite creatures in need of His infinite grace and provision.

The psalmist then declares his faithfulness to God and his trust in Him. This declaration is significant, as it shows a deep commitment to following God’s ways and a steadfast belief in His promises. This faithfulness is rewarded by the psalmist’s plea for God to guard his life and save him, showing that a life devoted to God does not exempt one from trials and struggles but invites God’s protection and deliverance in times of need.

The psalmist refers to God as “my God,” a personal and intimate expression of his relationship with the Almighty. This relationship is built on trust and prayer, as the psalmist calls out to God all day long, demonstrating a continual reliance on God’s guidance and support. This persistence in prayer is a valuable lesson for believers today, reminding us to seek God’s presence and help consistently and fervently.

The psalmist concludes this section by asking for joy from the Lord, linking his joy directly to his trust in God. This connection between trust and joy is a powerful reminder that true happiness and contentment come from a deep faith in God’s goodness and faithfulness. It underscores the importance of placing our trust in God alone, rather than in temporary pleasures or material possessions. Reflecting on Psalms 86:1-4 encourages us to emulate the psalmist’s humble dependence, unwavering faithfulness, and persistent trust in God. These qualities are not only commendable in themselves but also reflect a profound understanding of God’s character and a deepening relationship with Him. May we, like the psalmist, call out to God in our times of need, trusting in His mercy, seeking His guidance, and finding our ultimate joy in Him alone.

Psalms 86:5-7

The verse in Psalms 86:5-7 reads: “For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive; and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon you.” Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. I will call upon you in the day of my trouble because you will answer me.”

Breaking down this verse, we see David’s acknowledgment of the goodness and forgiving nature of the Lord. David recognizes God’s abundant mercy towards all who seek Him and call upon His name. This underscores the belief that God is not only willing to forgive our sins but is also loving and compassionate towards His children. It is a reminder that no matter how great our sins may be, God’s mercy and forgiveness are always available to those who seek Him sincerely. David in Psalms 86 is expressing his deep trust in God and His willingness to listen to his prayers. The Psalms are filled with David’s heartfelt prayers and songs of praise to the Lord. Throughout David’s life, he faced numerous challenges and enemies, and in those moments of distress, he always turned to God in prayer. This verse illustrates David’s faith in God’s ability to hear his cries, supplications, and deliver him from troubles. It shows us that regardless of the challenges we face, we can find comfort and strength in turning to God in prayer.

This passage resonates with the biblical theme of God’s faithfulness and mercy. God’s readiness to forgive and show mercy to His people is seen in numerous instances in the Old Testament. For example, in Exodus 34:6-7, God reveals Himself to Moses as “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” This reveals God’s character of mercy and forgiveness, which is consistent throughout the Bible.

Furthermore, the verse in Psalms 86 also echoes the teaching of Jesus in the New Testament regarding the importance of prayer. Jesus says in Matthew 7:7-8, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” This shows the continuity of the message of calling upon God in times of trouble and expecting His response, as David expresses in Psalms 86. The belief in God’s attentive ear to our prayers is a foundational aspect of Christian faith, showcased not only in the Psalms but throughout the entire Bible.

Psalms 86:8-10

The verses in Psalms 86:8-10 can be broken down into three distinct sections as follows: “Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours.”
2. “All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.”
3. “For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.”

Starting with the first section, the psalmist praises the Lord by acknowledging His unmatched greatness among all gods. This highlights the monotheistic belief in the supremacy of the Lord over all other supposed deities. The psalmist emphasizes the uniqueness and unrivaled power of God by affirming that no deeds can compare to the Lord’s. This notion serves as a fundamental principle in the Bible, reiterating that there is only one true God, as evidenced in verses like Deuteronomy 6:4 which states, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”

Moving on to the second section, the psalmist elaborates on the future worship of all nations before the Lord. This universal aspect of worship underscores God’s sovereignty over all peoples, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. Prophetic passages in the Bible foresee a time when all the earth will acknowledge and honor the Lord, aligning with the idea that all nations will eventually come to worship God. The psalmist in the final section extols the greatness and marvelous deeds of God, affirming His uniqueness as the one true God. This declaration emphasizes God’s omnipotence and magnificence in His actions, reinforcing the theme of adoration and reverence for the Lord throughout the psalm. The affirmation that God alone is God echoes throughout the Bible, underscoring the exclusivity of God’s divine nature and the incomparable nature of His power and authority as seen in verses like Isaiah 45:5 which states, “I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. Psalms 86:8-10 encapsulates a profound expression of praise and worship towards the Lord, highlighting His incomparable greatness, universal sovereignty, and unmatched power. These verses resonate with the broader biblical narrative that underscores the belief in one true God, the eventual worship of all nations before Him, and the acknowledgment of His unmatched authority and majesty throughout all of creation.

Psalms 86:11-13

King David, the author of this psalm, implores God in Psalms 86:11-13 to teach him His way, so that he may walk in His truth. David acknowledges the need for guidance and wisdom from God to stay on the right path. This is a reflection of David’s humility and his dependence on God for direction in his life.

The first section of this verse, “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth,” emphasizes the importance of learning and following the ways of God. David understands that true wisdom and knowledge come from God, and only by following His ways can one live a life of integrity and righteousness. This verse underscores the value of seeking God’s guidance through His Word and prayer in order to live a life that is pleasing to Him. It also speaks to the idea that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and by submitting ourselves to Him, we can experience His truth and blessings in our lives.

The next section, “Unite my heart to fear Your name,” indicates David’s desire for a devoted and undivided heart towards God. David recognizes the importance of having a singular focus on God and revering His name above all else. This plea highlights the necessity of wholehearted devotion and worship towards God, without any distractions or competing allegiances. It echoes the biblical command to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). David expresses his commitment to praise and glorify God always in the final part of this passage, “I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and will glorify Your name forever.” This serves as a reminder to us all of the importance of gratitude and worship in our relationship with God. A heart filled with thanksgiving and praise acknowledges God’s goodness, faithfulness, and sovereignty. It reflects a profound understanding of God’s worthiness to be glorified and honored in every aspect of our lives. This verse encapsulates the essence of a life devoted to God – seeking His ways, revering His name, and offering Him continual praise and thanksgiving. Psalms 86:11-13 captures the essence of David’s heartfelt plea for guidance, devotion, and thanksgiving to God. It serves as a powerful reminder for believers to seek God’s ways, honor His name, and offer Him continual praise in all circumstances. David’s example of humility and dependence on God’s wisdom is an enduring lesson for us all in our journey of faith.

Psalms 86:14-17

Four important sections can be identified in Psalms 86:14-17, each with its own significance in the context of the verses. “The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life— men without regard for you.”
This section highlights the speaker’s plea to God for deliverance from his enemies, particularly the arrogant and ruthless individuals who are threatening his life. The speaker is facing persecution and danger from those who do not fear or respect God. This passage conveys the common theme of the righteous being persecuted by the wicked, a recurring motif in the Bible. It underscores the reality that followers of God may face opposition and danger but can find refuge and strength in Him. This also emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s protection and power in times of trouble, trusting that He will deliver His faithful servants from the hands of the wicked.

1. “But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
   Here, the speaker shifts his focus from the threats of his enemies to the character of God. He acknowledges God’s attributes of compassion, grace, patience, love, and faithfulness. This section serves as a reminder of God’s nature and His steadfast love for His people. The speaker finds solace and hope in God’s unwavering goodness and faithfulness, despite the challenges he faces. This verse echoes Moses’ description of God in Exodus 34:6, highlighting God’s consistent character throughout the Bible. It reinforces the idea that God is a refuge and source of strength for His followers, offering comfort and reassurance in times of distress.

2. “Turn to me and have mercy on me; grant your strength to your servant and save the son of your maidservant. Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me. The speaker directly petitions God for mercy, strength, and salvation in this section. He pleads for a manifestation of God’s goodness that will not only benefit him but also serve as a testimony to his enemies. The speaker desires vindication and deliverance so that his adversaries may witness God’s intervention on his behalf and be humbled. This passage reflects the biblical theme of God’s intervention in the lives of His faithful servants, displaying His power and bringing glory to His name. It underscores the importance of seeking God’s help and guidance, trusting in His ability to rescue and provide for His people in times of need.

3. These verses in Psalms 86 depict a heartfelt prayer for deliverance, protection, and vindication in the face of adversity. The speaker’s plea for God’s intervention and reliance on His character emphasizes the themes of trust, faithfulness, and God’s sovereignty that resonate throughout the Bible. The speaker demonstrates a model of faith and dependence on God amidst trials and persecution by acknowledging God’s attributes and seeking His help. The verses serve as a reminder of the enduring truth that God is a compassionate and powerful ally who is faithful to His promises and will ultimately triumph over evil.

After Psalms 86

The reverend solemnly closed the book and gazed upon the congregation. “My friends, we have seen the depths of David’s anguish and his unwavering faith in the Lord. Yet, his trials are not over. David’s trust in God’s steadfast love will be put to the ultimate test in the next chapter. Prepare our hearts, for the journey ahead holds both challenges and the promise of divine deliverance.”