Psa 86:1-4 | Clarke | e4.org | PSALM LXXXVI The psalmist prays to God for support, from a conviction that he is merciful, good, ready to forgive, and that there is none like him , 1-8; all nations shall bow before him because of his wondrous works , 9, 10; he prays to be instructed, and promises to praise God for his great mercy , 11-13; describes his enemies, and appeals to God , 14-16; begs a token for God, that his enemies may be confounded , 17. NOTES ON PSALM LXXXVI The title attributes this Psalm to David ; and in this all the Versions agree: but in its structure it is the same with those attributed to the sons of Korah ; and was probably made during the captivity. It is a very suitable prayer for a person labouring under affliction from persecution or calumny. Verse 1. Bow down thine ear ] Spoken after the manner of men: I am so low , and so weak , that, unless thou stoop to me , my voice cannot reach thee. Poor and needy. ] I am afflicted, and destitute of the necessaries of life.

‏ Psalms 86:1-4

PSALM LXXXVI

The psalmist prays to God for support, from a conviction that he is merciful, good, ready to forgive, and that there is none like him, 1-8;

all nations shall bow before him because of his wondrous works,

9, 10;

he prays to be instructed, and promises to praise God for his great mercy, 11-13;

describes his enemies, and appeals to God, 14-16;

begs a token for God, that his enemies may be confounded, 17.

NOTES ON PSALM LXXXVI

The title attributes this Psalm to David; and in this all the Versions agree: but in its structure it is the same with those attributed to the sons of Korah; and was probably made during the captivity. It is a very suitable prayer for a person labouring under affliction from persecution or calumny.

Verse 1. Bow down thine ear] Spoken after the manner of men: I am so low, and so weak, that, unless thou stoop to me, my voice cannot reach thee.

Poor and needy.] I am afflicted, and destitute of the necessaries of life.

Verse 2. Preserve my soul] Keep it as in a strong place.

For I am holy] ki chasid ani, for I am merciful. The spirit of this prayer is,

"The mercy I to others show,

That mercy show to me!"

Save thy servant] I have long taken thee as my Master and Lord; I receive the word from thy mouth, and obey thee.

Verse 3. Be merciful unto me] I have no merit; I plead none, but trust in thee alone.

I cry unto thee daily.] My state deeply affects me; and I incessantly cry for thy salvation.

Verse 4. Rejoice the soul of thy servant] I want spiritual blessings; I want such consolations as thou dost impart to them that love thee; I present that soul to thee which I wish thee to console.