Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name. Teach me Your way, O LORDThe psalmist begins with a humble request for divine instruction. The Hebrew word for "teach" is "לַמֵּד" (lamed), which implies a deep, ongoing process of learning and discipleship. This is not merely about acquiring knowledge but about understanding and living according to God's will. The phrase "Your way" refers to God's path or manner of living, which is righteous and holy. The use of "O LORD" (YHWH) emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and His people, highlighting the psalmist's reliance on God's faithfulness and guidance. that I may walk in Your truth
The phrase "walk in Your truth" suggests a lifestyle that is consistent with God's revealed truth. The Hebrew word for "walk" is "הָלַךְ" (halak), which often denotes a manner of life or conduct. "Truth" here is "אֱמֶת" (emet), signifying faithfulness, reliability, and stability. The psalmist desires to live a life that reflects God's truth, which is unchanging and eternal. This reflects a commitment to integrity and authenticity in one's relationship with God. give me an undivided heart
An "undivided heart" is a heart that is wholly devoted to God, without distraction or allegiance to other gods or worldly desires. The Hebrew word "יָחַד" (yachad) means united or joined together. The psalmist seeks a heart that is singularly focused on God, free from the fragmentation that sin and idolatry bring. This request underscores the importance of inner purity and total devotion in the believer's life. that I may fear Your name
The "fear" of God's name is a profound reverence and awe for who God is. The Hebrew word "יָרֵא" (yare) conveys a sense of respect and honor, recognizing God's majesty and holiness. "Your name" represents God's character and reputation. To fear God's name is to live in a way that honors Him, acknowledging His authority and sovereignty. This fear is not about terror but about a deep respect that leads to obedience and worship. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of Psalm 86, David is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God, his role as the second king of Israel, and his authorship of many Psalms. 2. LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with His people. 3. JerusalemWhile not directly mentioned in this verse, Jerusalem is often the backdrop for David's life and prayers, symbolizing the center of worship and God's presence among His people. Teaching Points Seeking Divine GuidanceDavid's request for God to "teach me Your way" highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance in our daily lives. As believers, we should continually ask God to reveal His path for us. Walking in TruthWalking in God's truth requires a commitment to live according to His Word. This involves studying Scripture, prayer, and obedience to God's commands. The Importance of an Undivided HeartAn undivided heart is one that is wholly devoted to God, free from competing loyalties or distractions. This is essential for true worship and reverence for God's name. The Fear of the LordFearing God's name involves a deep respect and awe for His holiness and authority. It is the foundation of wisdom and leads to a life that honors God. Bible Study Questions 1. What does it mean to you personally to ask God to "teach me Your way"? How can you incorporate this request into your daily prayer life? 2. In what ways can you ensure that you are "walking in God's truth" in your current circumstances? Are there specific areas where you need to align more closely with His Word? 3. Reflect on the concept of an "undivided heart." What are some distractions or competing loyalties in your life that might prevent you from fully devoting yourself to God? 4. How does the fear of the Lord influence your decisions and actions? Can you think of a recent situation where this reverence guided your behavior? 5. Consider the connection between Psalm 86:11 and James 1:5. How can seeking God's wisdom help you in making decisions and facing challenges in your life? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 25:4-5This passage echoes the plea for God to teach and guide, emphasizing reliance on God's truth and salvation. James 1:5This New Testament verse encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to those who ask in faith. Ezekiel 11:19This verse speaks of God giving His people a new heart, aligning with the request for an undivided heart in Psalm 86:11. People David, Korah, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Clear, Faith, Fear, Glad, Heart, O, Rejoice, Teach, Truth, Undivided, Unite, WalkDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 86:11 1150 God, truth of
1175 God, will of
1461 truth, nature of
4020 life, of faith
5017 heart, renewal
5197 walking
5909 motives, importance
6185 imagination, desires
8128 guidance, receiving
8351 teachableness Psalm 86:9-11 8470 respect, for God Psalm 86:11-12 5042 name of God, significance Library A Sheaf of Prayer Arrows
'Bow down Thine ear, O Lord, hear me; for I am poor and needy. 2. Preserve my soul, for I am holy: O Thou my God, save Thy servant that trusteth in Thee. 3. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto Thee daily. 4. Rejoice the soul of Thy servant: for unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5. For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee.'--PSALM lxxxvi. 1-5. We have here a sheaf of arrows out of a good man's quiver, shot into heaven. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureMy Savior Whose Infinite Grace
"Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee." -- Psalm 86:5. My Savior whose infinite grace Most kindly encompasses me, Whose goodness more brightly I trace, The more of my life that I see. -- The sins that I mournfully own, Thy meekness and mercy exalt, -- And sweet is the voice from Thy throne, That tenderly shows me a fault. Even now, while my praises arise, A sorrowful spirit is mine; A spirit Thou wilt not despise, For O! it is mourning …
Miss A. L. Waring—Hymns and Meditations That it is Profitable to Communicate Often
The Voice of the Disciple Behold I come unto Thee, O Lord, that I may be blessed through Thy gift, and be made joyful in Thy holy feast which Thou, O God, of Thy goodness hast prepared for the poor.(1) Behold in Thee is all that I can and ought to desire, Thou art my salvation and redemption, my hope and strength, my honour and glory. Therefore rejoice the soul of Thy servant this day, for unto Thee, O Lord Jesus, do I lift up my soul.(2) I long now to receive Thee devoutly and reverently, I desire …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ The Truth of God
The next attribute is God's truth. A God of truth and without iniquity; just and right is he.' Deut 32:4. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.' Psa 57:10. Plenteous in truth.' Psa 86:15. I. God is the truth. He is true in a physical sense; true in his being: he has a real subsistence, and gives a being to others. He is true in a moral sense; he is true sine errore, without errors; et sine fallacia, without deceit. God is prima veritas, the pattern and prototype …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy
Sermon I (November 2, 1148.)[1005] 1. A certain abundant blessing, dearly beloved, has been sent by the counsel of heaven to you this day; and if it were not faithfully divided, you would suffer loss, and I, to whom of a surety this office seems to have been committed, would incur danger. I fear therefore your loss, I fear my own damnation,[1006] if perchance it be said, The young children ask bread, and no man offereth it unto them.[1007] For I know how necessary for you is the consolation which …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh The Mercy of God
The next attribute is God's goodness or mercy. Mercy is the result and effect of God's goodness. Psa 33:5. So then this is the next attribute, God's goodness or mercy. The most learned of the heathens thought they gave their god Jupiter two golden characters when they styled him good and great. Both these meet in God, goodness and greatness, majesty and mercy. God is essentially good in himself and relatively good to us. They are both put together in Psa 119:98. Thou art good, and doest good.' This …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Third Commandment
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Exod 20: 7. This commandment has two parts: 1. A negative expressed, that we must not take God's name in vain; that is, cast any reflections and dishonour on his name. 2. An affirmative implied. That we should take care to reverence and honour his name. Of this latter I shall speak more fully, under the first petition in the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be thy name.' I shall …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 86:11 NIVPsalm 86:11 NLTPsalm 86:11 ESVPsalm 86:11 NASBPsalm 86:11 KJV
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