Psalms 86
DOYLYVer. 4. Turn us, &c.] This word is frequently used in Scripture: the metaphor seems to be taken from a shepherd who drives back the wandering sheep; and it is applied both to relief from temporal affliction, and return to the paths of duty.
Psalms 86:8
- I will hear &c.] I will wait with patience for God’s answer to my prayers. Bp. Wilson.
— to folly.] To wickedness.
- Among the gods] That is, among those who are worshipped in the world as gods. Bp. Patrick.
Psalms 86:10
- Mercy and truth &c.] How admirable is this celebrated personification of the Divine attributes! How just, elegant, and splendid does it appear, if applied only according to the literal sense, to the restoration of the Jewish nation from the Babylonish captivity; but if interpreted as relating to that more sacred mystical sense, which is not obscurely shadowed under the ostensible image, it is certainly uncommonly noble and elevated, mysterious and sublime. Bp. Lowth.
science of his religion, & by the goodness and power of God. 11 He desireth the continuance of former grace. 14 Complaining of the proud he craveth some token of God’s goodness.
¶ A Prayer of David. BOW down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.
Psalms 86:11
- Truth shall spring &c.] See note from Bp. Lowth on Isa. xlv. 5.
Psalms 86:13
- Righteousness shall go &c.] That is, reformation of morals shall precede the establishment of Christ’s religion.
We learn in this Psalm, that, as God makes men, and sometimes his own people and church, feel the effects of his wrath for the punishment of their sins; and that the end which He proposes by it is to recover them from their errors; so when He sees them humbled to becoming feelings of piety, He is ever ready to receive them again into his favour, and to bestow on them his choicest gifts, both temporal and spiritual. Ostervald.
Psalm LXXXVI. ver. 2. — holy:] The word here translated “holy,” properly signifies, “good, merciful, pious, devoted to the service of God, &c.” Bp. Horne.