Psalms 86
Psalms 86 is part of “Book III: The Leviticus Book” (73–89) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 86 summary
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).
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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.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in Psalms 86
Psalms 86 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
Great Is Your Steadfast Love
1A Prayer of David. Bow down thine ear, O Jehovah, and answer me; For I am poor and needy. 2Preserve my soul; for I am godly: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. 3Be merciful unto me, O Lord; For unto thee do I cry all the day long. 4Rejoice the soul of thy servant; For unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness unto all them that call upon thee. 6Give ear, O Jehovah, unto my prayer; And hearken unto the voice of my supplications. 7In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee; For thou wilt answer me. 8There is none like unto thee among the gods, O Lord; Neither [are there any works] like unto thy works. 9All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; And they shall glorify thy name. 10For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: Thou art God alone. 11Teach me thy way, O Jehovah; I will walk in thy truth: Unite my heart to fear thy name. 12I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart; And I will glorify thy name for evermore. 13For great is thy lovingkindness toward me; And thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest Sheol. 14O God, the proud are risen up against me, And a company of violent men have sought after my soul, And have not set thee before them. 15But thou, O Lord, art a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness and truth. 16Oh turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; Give thy strength unto thy servant, And save the son of thy handmaid. 17Show me a token for good, That they who hate me may see it, and be put to shame, Because thou, Jehovah, hast helped me, and comforted me.