Psalms 86

Chapter Summary

Psalms 86 is a heartfelt prayer of David, where he acknowledges God's greatness, confesses his own sinfulness, and seeks God's mercy and preservation. David begins by expressing his trust in God's character, citing His faithfulness, lovingkindness, and redemption (Psalms 86:5, 13, 15). He then requests that God incline His ear to his prayer, save him, and make him glad (Psalms 86:1, 4, 6-7). David also contrasts himself with the heathen, who do not know God, and emphasizes his own knowledge of and commitment to the one true God (Psalms 86:8-10). The chapter concludes with David's expression of trust and confidence in God's goodness, lovingkindness, and deliverance.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 86 is part of the third book of the Psalms, which is characterized by a focus on God's covenant with His people and the importance of trusting in His character. This chapter is likely a prayer of David during a time of distress or persecution, and is meant to encourage believers to trust in God's mercy, lovingkindness, and redemption. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's faithfulness to His people and His power to deliver them from their enemies.

Heart Application

As believers, we can apply the principles of Psalms 86 to our own lives by trusting in God's character and seeking His guidance and instruction. We can also learn from David's humility and recognition of his need for God's mercy and redemption, and can seek to cultivate a deeper reverence and awe for God's name.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 86 is a prayer of David, where he asks God for mercy, preservation, and deliverance from his enemies. David trusts in God's character and seeks His guidance and instruction. We can learn from David's humility and recognition of his need for God's mercy and redemption, and can seek to cultivate a deeper reverence and awe for God's name, as seen in Psalms 86:11.

Voices from the Church

“The prayer of the righteous is a powerful thing, and can accomplish great things. Let us learn to pray with humility, faith, and expectation, like David in Psalms 86.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The lovingkindness of God is a boundless ocean, and we can never exhaust its depths. Let us seek to know God's lovingkindness more and more, and to trust in His faithfulness and redemption.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction and Trust in God (Psalms 86:1-7) — David introduces his prayer by expressing his trust in God's character and seeking His mercy and preservation.
2. Contrast with the Heathen (Psalms 86:8-10) — David contrasts himself with the heathen, who do not know God, emphasizing his own knowledge of and commitment to the one true God.
3. Teach Me Your Way (Psalms 86:11-13) — David requests that God teach him His way and unite his heart to fear His name, demonstrating his humility and recognition of his need for God's guidance and instruction.
4. Confidence in God's Goodness (Psalms 86:14-17) — David expresses his confidence in God's goodness and lovingkindness, and seeks to be preserved and delivered from his enemies.
5. Conclusion and Praise (Psalms 86:16-17) — David concludes his prayer by expressing his trust in God's character and seeking His mercy and preservation.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

Psalms 86 emphasizes God's sovereignty and power to deliver His people from their enemies, as seen in Psalms 86:14-17.

The Importance of Humility

David's prayer demonstrates the importance of humility and recognition of one's need for God's mercy and guidance, as seen in Psalms 86:1-7 and 11.

The Faithfulness of God

The chapter highlights God's faithfulness to His people and His power to deliver them from their enemies, as seen in Psalms 86:5 and 13.

The Redemption of God

Psalms 86:13 emphasizes God's power to redeem His people from their enemies and to bring them into a relationship with Himself.

Lessons from Psalms 86

1. The Importance of Humility in Prayer — David's prayer demonstrates the importance of humility and recognition of one's need for God's mercy and guidance.
2. Trust in God's Character — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's character and to seek His mercy and preservation.
3. The Faithfulness and Redemption of God — Psalms 86 emphasizes God's faithfulness to His people and His power to deliver them from their enemies.
4. The Importance of Fearing God's Name — The chapter teaches us to fear God's name and to seek His guidance and instruction, as seen in Psalms 86:11.
5. Confidence in God's Goodness — David's prayer demonstrates confidence in God's goodness and lovingkindness, and seeks to be preserved and delivered from his enemies.

Themes from Psalms 86

1. Prayer and Trust — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's character and to seek His mercy and preservation through prayer.
2. Humility and Recognition of Need — David's prayer demonstrates the importance of humility and recognition of one's need for God's mercy and guidance.
3. The Faithfulness and Redemption of God — Psalms 86 emphasizes God's faithfulness to His people and His power to deliver them from their enemies.
4. The Importance of Fearing God's Name — The chapter teaches us to fear God's name and to seek His guidance and instruction, as seen in Psalms 86:11.
5. Confidence in God's Goodness — David's prayer demonstrates confidence in God's goodness and lovingkindness, and seeks to be preserved and delivered from his enemies.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does Psalms 86 teach us about the importance of humility in prayer?
2. How does David's prayer in Psalms 86 demonstrate his trust in God's character?
3. What does the chapter teach us about the faithfulness and redemption of God?
4. How can we apply the principles of Psalms 86 to our own lives and prayers?
5. What does the chapter teach us about the importance of fearing God's name and seeking His guidance and instruction?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 86

	Sermon	Description
	A Divided Heart by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of a divided heart, emphasizing that such a condition leads to spiritual faultiness both individually and within the church. He warns that a divid
	"Can God Forgive Me?" by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon emphasizes the unfathomable mercy and forgiveness of God, highlighting a powerful encounter with a soldier haunted by his past sins and seeking redemption. It explores
	The Power of Prayer by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer leading to action. He highlights the need for conviction to be carried into life and for decisions to be made based
	Walking in the Light by Jack Hayford	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a funny incident involving a little boy named Kyle. The speaker emphasizes that children often do funny things without realizing it
	The Miracle-Working God of Mercy by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to reflect on their convictions about God. He suggests that they circle three titles for God mentioned by David in the psalm. Th
	God's Problem With a Soul by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the struggle of God for the soul of a nation, using the book of Hosea as a reference. He emphasizes the importance of turning to the Lord and
	Revival Praying by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of revival in the church. He suggests that revival is not simply a charismatic preacher coming to deliver a sermon, but rather
	Keys to Spiritual Growth - Part 4 by John MacArthur	This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth by focusing on glorifying God through praise, fruitfulness, trust, and thanksgiving. It highlights the transformation that
	Fear of the Lord by Winkie Pratney	Winkie Pratney emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the foremost requirement from God, as stated in Deuteronomy 10:12. He explains that while love, service, and obedience are im
	Unfailing Love by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing how sin can start innocently but gradually takes hold of our lives, just like a fly caught in a spider's web. He uses this analogy

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 86

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 86 emphasizes the importance of humility and recognition of need in prayer, as seen in David's introduction to his prayer in Psalms 86:1-7. Henry also highlights the faithfulness and redemption of God, as emphasized in Psalms 86:5 and 13. The commentary encourages believers to trust in God's character and to seek His mercy and preservation, and to cultivate a deeper reverence and awe for God's name. Henry also notes the contrast between David and the heathen, who do not know God, and emphasizes the importance of fearing God's name and seeking His guidance and instruction, as seen in Psalms 86:11. The commentary concludes by encouraging believers to have confidence in God's goodness and lovingkindness, and to seek His deliverance from their enemies, as seen in Psalms 86:14-17. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?