Psalm 86

A Prayer of David for God’s Protection from An Enemy

On the basis of God’s goodness, David asked the Lord to demonstrate His strength by opposing the proud who exalted themselves against him. This is the only psalm ascribed to David in Book 3 (Psalms 73-89). It is an individual lament psalm that speaks out of a situation of disorientation.           - Thomas Constable

We do not know the specific circumstances that inspired the composition of these lyrics, but David was under some kind of threat and in desperate need for God’s help.  On the basis of David’s great need and God’s great character, the psalmist prayed for protection and promised his praise. 

This psalm…is made up of earnest prayers, with reasons why those prayers should be answered; and perhaps the leading practical suggestion which would properly follow from the psalm is, that it is proper for us, in our prayers, to urge reasons why they should be answered.  There are reasons why we ask the particular things which are the burden of our supplications, and it cannot be improper, in order that our own minds at least may be suitably impressed, to mention those reasons when we come before God.         - Albert Barnes

Protect My Life

Arrogant People

Vs. 2 - Protect my life, for I am faithful.

Vs. 7 - I call on you in the day of my distress

Vs. 14 - God, arrogant people have attacked me; a gang of ruthless men intends to kill me.

David was a man with many enemies over the course of his life.  His first appeal for deliverance was based on his own distress and danger. 

You Alone Are God

Great

Vs. 10 - For you are great and perform wonders; you alone are God.

The second basis on which David prayed for rescue was the character of God.  His lyrics express a full confidence in both God’s greatness and His graciousness.  

A God who could do these things could also do that which the psalmist asked of him, for what God actually does proves that there is nothing within the limits of possibility which he cannot perform. The greatness and the power of God are reasons why we should appeal to him in our weakness, and in our times of trouble.                - Albert Barnes

Gracious

Vs. 15-16 - But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth. Turn to me and be gracious to me.

David prayed one of the most frequently quoted passages in all scripture, Exodus 34:5-6, God’s description of His own character when delivering the commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai.  A deep understanding of God’s merciful nature gave the psalmist a confidence in seeking His favor.

We should call in vain on a God who was not merciful and ready to forgive; but in the divine character there is the most ample foundation for such an appeal. In his benevolence; in his readiness to forgive; in the plenitude of his mercy, God is all that a penitent sinner could wish him to be.               - Albert Barnes

Teach Me Your Way

Vs. 11 - Teach me your way, Lord, and I will live by your truth. Give me an undivided mind to fear your name.

In addition to his prayer for rescue, David also asked God for guidance and instruction.  The prayer reads like a promise that, with God’s help, devout faith would follow his deliverance. 

I Will Praise You

Vs. 12 - I will praise you with all my heart, Lord my God, and will honor your name forever.

Finally, David looked forward to salvation from his enemies and promised to acknowledge God’s provision and intervention.  He would not fail to offer praise to God on the day of his deliverance.