PSALM 86
This psalm is a prayer of David. It is the only psalm associated with David in this third book of Psalms. It is an individual lament, but has some great truths for us to learn and incorporate into our thinking. We do not know the specific events that prompted David to write this prayer, but we can ascertain that he faces adversity at the hands of human enemies.
Praying For Mercy
86:1-7
This psalm begins with David asking God for help. He says he is in a day of trouble. (7)
David describes himself in humble terms: he is poor and needy. There is no sense of entitlement or pride, only a supplication based on need. He asks God to be gracious to him, showing he does not claim a right to anything from God. (3, 6)
We know that God despises human pride. He values humility. Jesus said the poor in spirit, those who acknowledge their need for God’s help, are blessed. (Matthew 5:3)
David also refers to himself as God’s servant. (2) This shows his dedication to the Lord and his acceptance of the Lord’s will in his life. He trusts in God and believes in him.
David asked for God to preserve his life, so he must have felt threatened by his enemies. (2) He also asked God to gladden his soul. (4) Being under attack can lead us to sorrow and depression. Yet, David believes that God answers him when he prays. (7)
David also expressed several things about the character of God. He lists three things: (1) God is good; (2) God is forgiving; and (3) God abounds in steadfast love to his people - those who call upon him. As we have seen in previous Psalms, “steadfast love” has a covenantal setting. God has an unwavering love for his people. He proclaimed this about himself in Exodus 34:6. So, David is saying I know you have steadfast love for those who call upon you and I am calling upon you as one of your people so please exercise that steadfast love to deliver me from my enemies.
A Hymn of Praise
86:8-10
David’s faith that God will answer him leads him to these verses of praise. He declares the awesome traits of God.
First, David declares the uniqueness of God. There is no one like him. There is no one who does works like God’s works. (8) He repeats this in verse 10.
This belief in one God (monotheism) was somewhat unique to the Jews in Old Testament times. Many nations worshipped many gods even though they may have had one main god. Many people believed that gods were national and each nations god was really a god, though some were more powerful than others. But God commanded the Jews to worship him only and to have no other gods. (Exodus 20:3; 34:14)
Second, David declared that all nations would come and worship God. (9) He spoke prophetically even if he did not understand how it would come about. He also spoke in faith, believing God would fulfill his promise to Abraham that all the families of the earth would be blessed through him. (Genesis 12:3) That promise is fulfilled in Christ. This verse is quoted in Revelation 15:4 as part of the song sung by all of those who conquered the beast and worshipped the Lord.
Third, David said God would be worshipped by all nations because he is great and has done wondrous things. We are part of the fulfillment of this statement as we gather to sing praises to God for his wondrous works.
Deliverance Anticipated
86:11-13
David shows his devotion to the Lord by asking God to teach him his ways so that he can walk in God’s truth. This should be the prayer of every believer. We read and study the Bible, asking God to teach us about himself and his way, so we can live accordingly, knowing it pleases him and is the best for us.
David wanted an undivided heart. (11) He asked God to unite his heart (English Standard Version) or “give me an undivided heart” (New International Version) so that he may fear God’s name. An undivided heart is one totally devoted to God and totally believing in him and his promises.
James wrote that we should ask God for wisdom, but asking in faith with no doubt. The one who doubts God is a double minded person, unstable in his or her ways. (James 1:8)
Actually, David showed that he did have a united heart as he gave thanks to God with his whole heart and promised to glorify him forever. (12) Even though he was in a difficult time, he remembered and thanked God for showing his steadfast love to him and for saving his life.
Prayer For Deliverance
86:14-17
David ends the psalm with a request for God to save him. His enemies are insolent and ruthless. They do not honor God and attack God’s servant David. So, David asked for strength and for God to save him.
David repeated his praise of the Lord, referring again to Exodus 34:6, as merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. David is appealing to God’s character as a basis for him to act on David’s behalf.
Finally, David asked for a sign of God’s favor. The sign would be God’s deliverance of David from his enemies. He wants God to help him so that his enemies, who are God’s enemies, will realize he is God’s servant and be put to shame for trying to harm him.
Takeaways
- We can ask God for help in difficult times.
2. We praise God for his wonderful traits.
3. We ask God to teach us and give us wisdom.
4. We remember God’s great works to strengthen our faith.
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