Psalm 86
1Hear, Yahweh, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2Preserve my soul, for I am godly. You, my God, save your servant who trusts in you. 3Be merciful to me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. 4Bring joy to the soul of your servant, for to you, Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, abundant in loving kindness to all those who call on you. 6Hear, Yahweh, my prayer. Listen to the voice of my petitions. 7In the day of my trouble I will call on you, for you will answer me. 8There is no one like you among the gods, Lord, nor any deeds like your deeds. 9All nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord. They shall glorify your name. 10For you are great, and do wondrous things. You are God alone. 11Teach me your way, Yahweh. I will walk in your truth. Make my heart undivided to fear your name. 12I will praise you, Lord my God, with my whole heart. I will glorify your name forever more. 13For your loving kindness is great toward me. You have delivered my soul from the lowest Sheol. 14God, 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. 15But you, Lord, are a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth. 16Turn to me, and have mercy on me! Give your strength to your servant. Save the son of your servant. 17Show me a sign of your goodness, that those who hate me may see it, and be shamed, because you, Yahweh, have helped me, and comforted me.
Introduction
Psalms 86
This psalm is entitled "a prayer of David;" probably it was not penned upon any particular occasion, but was a prayer he often used himself, and recommended to others for their use, especially in a day of affliction. Many think that David penned this prayer as a type of Christ, "who in the days of his flesh offered up strong cries," Heb 5:7. David, in this prayer (according to the nature of that duty), I. Gives glory to God (Psa 86:8-10, Psa 86:12, Psa 86:13). II. Seeks for grace and favour from God, that God would hear his prayers (Psa 86:1, Psa 86:6, Psa 86:7), preserve and save him, and be merciful to him (Psa 86:2, Psa 86:3, Psa 86:16), that he would give him joy, and grace, and strength, and put honour upon him (Psa 86:4, Psa 86:11, Psa 86:17). He pleads God's goodness (Psa 86:5, Psa 86:15) and the malice of his enemies (Psa 86:14). In singing this we must, as David did, lift up our souls to God with application.
A Prayer of David.
Cross-references: Heb 5:7 · Ps 86:8 · Ps 86:12 · Ps 86:13 · Ps 86:1 · Ps 86:6 · Ps 86:7 · Ps 86:2 · Ps 86:3 · Ps 86:16 · Ps 86:4 · Ps 86:11 · Ps 86:17 · Ps 86:5 · Ps 86:15 · Ps 86:14