Psalm 86:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

NIV: Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

NASB: Show me a sign of good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

CSB: Show me a sign of your goodness; my enemies will see and be put to shame because you, Lord, have helped and comforted me.

NLT: Send me a sign of your favor. Then those who hate me will be put to shame, for you, O Lord, help and comfort me.

KJV: Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, Lord, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

NKJV: Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

Psalm 86:14–17 closes this prayer with a more specific appeal about the psalmist's trouble. As with other Davidic psalms, this includes mortal threats from enemies (Psalm 35:4; 70:2). Following the pattern of this prayer, the writer includes references to other psalms (Psalm 54:3) and Old Testament history (Exodus 34:6). The prayer ends with an appeal to God for both salvation and assurance.

Three sections form this prayer, which repeats statements from David's psalms and famous portions of the Old Testament. The first section asks for God's rescue during some hardship or danger. The second segment praises the Lord for His divine nature and His prior efforts on the psalmist's behalf. The last section returns to an appeal for salvation in the face of murderous enemies. Throughout this prayer are references to God using multiple terms, including the Hebrew word Adōnā'y, or Adonai, which literally means "Master."

This is the only passage attributed to David in this large segment, often called "Book Three" of the Psalms. It contains multiple quotes and allusions to David's other psalms (Psalms 22:28; 25:4; 31:2; 40:17; 54:3) as well as important Old Testament expressions (Exodus 15:11; 34:6; Deuteronomy 3:24). Most commentators suggest this was not written by David himself; this suggests the text is "of David" since it repeats portions of his words and echoes his views.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 11/21/2024 2:09:29 PM