Jamieson–Fausset–Brown CommentaryPsalms 86

PSALM 86

Psa 86:1-17. This is a prayer in which the writer, with deep emotion, mingles petitions and praises, now urgent for help, and now elated with hope, in view of former mercies. The occurrence of many terms and phrases peculiar to David's Psalms clearly intimates its authorship.

1-2. poor and needy--a suffering child of God, as in Psa 10:12, 17; 18:27. I am holy--or, "godly," as in Psa 4:3; 85:8.

4. lift up my soul--with strong desire (Psa 25:1).

5-7. unto all ... that call upon thee--or, "worship Thee" (Psa 50:15; 91:15) however undeserving (Ex 34:6; Le 11:9-13).

8. neither ... works--literally, "nothing like thy works," the "gods" have none at all.

9-10. The pious Jews believed that God's common relation to all would be ultimately acknowledged by all men (Psa 45:12-16; 47:9).

11. Teach--Show, point out. the way--of Providence. walk in thy truth--according to its declarations. unite my heart--fix all my affections (Psa 12:2; Jas 4:8). to fear thy name--(compare Psa 86:12) to honor Thy perfections.

13-14. The reason: God had delivered him from death and the power of insolent, violent, and godless persecutors (Psa 54:3; Eze 8:12).

15. Contrasts God with his enemies (compare Psa 86:5).

16. son ... handmaid--homeborn servant (compare Lu 15:17).

17. Show me--literally, "Make with me a token," by Thy providential care. Thus in and by his prosperity his enemies would be confounded.