Psalms 86 - Printer Friendly

Psalm 86 refers to God using multiple Hebrew words. These include YHWH (Psalm 86:1, 6, 11, 17), Elohim (Psalm 86:2, 10, 12, 14), and Adonai (Psalm 86:3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 15). This prayer repeats notable phrases from the Old Testament (Exodus 15:11; 34:6; Deuteronomy 3:24) and several of David's psalms (Psalm 22:28; 25:4; 31:2; 40:17; 54:3). David's "prayers" were recently noted to have finished (Psalm 72:20), and this is the only one assigned to David in "Book Three" of the Psalms (Psalms 73—89). For these reasons, most scholars believe this was not written by King David himself. More likely, this is a "prayer of David" in that it echoes his style and beliefs.

The prayer can be divided into three main sections:

In the first segment, the psalmist prays for rescue from some danger or hardship. He feels helpless against some powerful danger. So, he turns to the Lord seeking salvation and reassurance. The prayer appeals to God's loving and merciful nature. This opening passage refers to God six times using three different terms (Psalm 86:1–7).

Next, the prayer praises God for His incredible nature and prior rescues. This passage emphasizes that the Lord is unique; He will be the ultimate object of worship for all nations, some day. As part of this worship, the psalmist submits to God's will and asks for guidance in obedience (Psalm 86:8–13).

Finally, the prayer returns to appeals for safety. As is common in David's psalms (Psalm 35:4; 70:2), the situation involves evil men who seek murder. The psalmist is confident that the Lord will hear his prayers. Even so, he asks the Lord for some sign of assurance (Psalm 86:14–17).

Psalm 86:1–7 opens a prayer which seems to combine parts of David's psalms and quotations from the books of Moses. This calls out to God for help in a time of trouble. The psalmist repeatedly mentions the Lord's forgiving, loving nature. The second section of the prayer praises God for His uniqueness. The final passage is more specific about the dangers being faced.

Psalm 86:8–13 follows a passionate and broad appeal for the Lord's intervention. This passage praises God for His power and glorious nature. These words echo statements made in other Old Testament writings and Psalms (Exodus 15:11; Deuteronomy 3:24; Psalm 22:28; 25:4). The psalmist expresses confidence that God will respond with salvation.

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.