Psalms 86

Ps 86 The psalmist invokes God’s help and praises his character in a lament prompted by the presence of evil (86:14, 17). All people will worship the gracious and almighty God (86:8-10). To this end, the poet commits himself to a lifestyle of ethical integrity (86:11) and praising the Lord (86:12-13). The last stanza contrasts the qualities of evil people with those of the Lord (86:14-17).86:title This is the only psalm connected with David in Book Three.86:1-4 God’s devoted servant prays for mercy. The psalmist sees himself as a member of the covenant community and as a citizen of the world.

86:5-7 The psalmist appeals to God to remain true to his character, which is the basis for hope.86:5 The psalmist recounts the catalog of divine perfections (Exod 34:6-7), especially God’s willingness to forgive sin (see Pss 32:5; 85:2; 145:7-10).

86:8-10 All the nations must submit themselves to the Lord and worship him (45:17; 117:1; 148:7-11).

86:11 The poet responds to the Lord by seeking faithful instruction in the truth. • An individual with purity of heart has integrity and wholeness (see 73:1).

86:12-13 In anticipation of God’s rescue, the psalmist praises him and trusts in his goodness.

86:14-17 The arrogant exist both inside and outside the community. The psalmist asks for a vision of God’s character; God is so great that just a glimpse of his goodness will shut the mouths of the wicked.

86:15 God has mercy on his people (51:1); he is gracious (25:6), slow to get angry (103:8; 145:8), and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness (Hebrew khesed and ’emeth; 143:1). This verse repeats a theme first expressed in Exod 34:7; Num 14:18 (cp. Pss 103:8; 145:8; Neh 9:17; Joel 2:13; Jon 4:2).