Bible Commentary

Psalms 86

Psalms 86 — Overview

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible · Matthew Henry (1662–1714) · Public Domain

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. v. 7. David, in this prayer (according to the nature of that duty), I. Gives glory to God, ver. 8-10, 12, 13. II. Seeks for grace and favour from God, that God would hear his prayers ( ver. 1, 6, 7), preserve and save him, and be merciful to him ( ver. 2, 3, 16), that he would give him joy, and grace, and strength, and put honour upon him, ver. 4, 11, 17. He pleads God's goodness ( ver. 5, 15) and the malice of his enemies, ver. 14. In singing this we must, as David did, lift up our souls to God with application.

Humble Petitions.

A Prayer of David.

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Psalms 86 — OverviewPsalms 86 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePsalms 86:1, David strengthens his prayer by the consciousness of his religion; Psalms 86:5, by the goodness and power of God; Psalms 86:11, He desires the continuance of former grace; Psalms 86:14, Complaining of the…Psalms 86 — OverviewPsalms 86 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BiblePrayer of David. The title is the same with the Seventeenth Psalm, and the subject of it is much alike: it was written by David, when in distress, and his life was sought after; very likely when he was persecuted by…Psalms 86:1-7Psalms 86:1-7 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThis psalm was published under the title of a prayer of David; not as if David sung all his prayers, but into some of his songs he inserted prayers; for a psalm will admit the expressions of any pious and devout…Psalms 86:1Psalms 86:1 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeBow: Psalms 31:2; Isaiah 37:17; Daniel 9:18 for I am: Psalms 10:14, Psalms 34:6, Psalms 40:17, Psalms 72:12-14, Psalms 102:17, Psalms 119:22, Psalms 140:12; Isaiah 66:2; Matthew 5:3; Luke 4:18; James 1:9-10, James 2:5Psalms 86:2Psalms 86:2 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePreserve: Psalms 4:3, Psalms 37:28, Psalms 119:94; 1 Samuel 2:9; John 10:27-29, John 17:11; 1 Peter 5:3-5 holy: or, one whom thou favourest, Psalms 18:19; Deuteronomy 7:7-8; Romans 9:18, Romans 9:23-24 save: Psalms…Psalms 86:2Psalms 86:2 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BiblePreserve my soul,.... Or life, which Saul sought after; and this prayer was heard: David was often remarkably preserved by the Lord from his attempts upon him; and so was the soul or life of Christ preserved in his…