Psalm 86

Psalm 86  •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 9
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This Psalm, in the spirit of it, may easily be the companion of any of the saints in the day of their trouble—as it would appear to have been the breathing of the soul of David. The “for I am holy” of Psalm 86:22Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. (Psalm 86:2) is not to be read as more than the common appeal to God of a consciously pious soul. It does not seem to assert personal perfectness.
The dear and suffering servants of Christ desired a token to be shown for good in the face of their enemies (Psalm 86:1717Show 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. (Psalm 86:17); Acts 4:29-3029And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. (Acts 4:29‑30)). And fear afterward came on all (Acts 5:1313And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. (Acts 5:13)). Aaron’s budding rod came forth from the divine presence as a token to silence the adversaries, and so the resurrection is that glorious token in favor of Jesus which will abash all who withstand Him, and prove in its result that it is indeed hard for them to kick against the pricks.
But the Israel of the latter day may also take up this Psalm, the Spirit of Christ guiding their hearts—as we see so much in this book. For an infidel faction is contemplated; such as purpose the destruction of the suppliant (Psa. 86:1414O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them. (Psalm 86:14)); proud ones who do not set God before them. And they seem to cast themselves entirely on mercy, pleading something of the name of the God of mercy, as He showed Himself to Moses after Israel had destroyed themselves at mount Sinai (Psa. 86:1515But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. (Psalm 86:15); Ex. 34:66And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, (Exodus 34:6)). And their soul taking this standing, the Spirit leads them with much assurance to anticipate glory. They learn that God is both good and great (Psa. 86:5,105For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. (Psalm 86:5)
10For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. (Psalm 86:10)).