The arrogant rise against me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, with no regard for You. The arrogant rise against meThe term "arrogant" in Hebrew is "זֵדִים" (zedim), which refers to those who are prideful and insolent. Historically, arrogance is often associated with those who defy God’s authority, as seen in the narratives of Pharaoh in Exodus or the builders of the Tower of Babel. In this context, the psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, is expressing a common theme in the Psalms: the struggle against those who are haughty and self-reliant, setting themselves against God's anointed. This phrase highlights the spiritual battle between humility before God and the pride of man. O God
The invocation "O God" is a direct appeal to Elohim, a name for God that emphasizes His power and might. This appeal is a reminder of the psalmist's reliance on divine intervention. In the historical context of Israel, calling upon God was an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and a plea for His justice and protection. It reflects a deep, personal relationship with God, where the psalmist turns to Him in times of distress. a band of ruthless men
The phrase "a band of ruthless men" uses the Hebrew word "עָרִיצִים" (aritsim), which conveys a sense of terror and violence. These are not just ordinary adversaries; they are cruel and merciless. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such bands could be marauding groups or political enemies, often threatening the peace and stability of the community. The psalmist's description underscores the severity of the threat and the need for divine protection. seeks my life
"Seeks my life" indicates a pursuit with the intent to harm or kill. The Hebrew verb "בִּקֵּשׁ" (biqqesh) implies an active and determined search. This phrase reflects the psalmist's perilous situation, where his very existence is under threat. It echoes the experiences of David, who was often pursued by enemies like Saul, and serves as a metaphor for the spiritual and physical dangers faced by believers. with no regard for You
The phrase "with no regard for You" highlights the spiritual blindness and rebellion of the psalmist's enemies. The Hebrew "לֹא שָׂמוּךָ" (lo samu-kha) suggests a willful ignorance or dismissal of God's authority and presence. This disregard for God is a hallmark of the wicked throughout Scripture, contrasting with the psalmist's own devotion and reliance on God. It serves as a reminder of the moral and spiritual dimensions of the conflict, where the true battle is between those who honor God and those who do not. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 86, David is expressing his distress and seeking God's intervention against his enemies. 2. Arrogant/Ruthless MenThese are the adversaries of David, characterized by their pride and lack of reverence for God. 3. GodThe central figure to whom David directs his plea for help and protection. Teaching Points Reliance on God in Times of TroubleDavid's response to adversity is to turn to God, demonstrating a model of faith and dependence. Understanding the Nature of OppositionRecognize that opposition often comes from those who do not honor God, as seen in the description of the arrogant and ruthless. Prayer as a WeaponDavid's prayer is a powerful example of how believers can confront challenges through earnest communication with God. God's Sovereignty Over AdversariesTrust in God's ultimate control and justice, even when faced with seemingly overwhelming opposition. Maintaining Faith Amidst PersecutionLike David, believers are encouraged to maintain their faith and integrity, knowing that God is aware of their struggles. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's response to his adversaries in Psalm 86:14 inspire you to handle your own conflicts? 2. In what ways can you identify with David's description of his enemies as "arrogant" and "ruthless"? How does this shape your understanding of spiritual warfare? 3. Reflect on a time when you felt surrounded by opposition. How did your faith influence your response, and what can you learn from David's example? 4. How does the theme of reliance on God in Psalm 86:14 connect with other biblical accounts of God's deliverance? 5. What practical steps can you take to incorporate prayer into your daily life as a means of seeking God's protection and guidance, as demonstrated by David? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 23This passage describes David's experiences of being pursued by Saul, which parallels the themes of being hunted by ruthless men. Psalm 27:12Similar to Psalm 86:14, David speaks of false witnesses and violent men rising against him, emphasizing his reliance on God. Acts 4:25-26The early church quotes David's words about the nations raging, drawing a parallel to the opposition faced by believers. People David, Korah, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Army, Arrogant, Assemblies, Assembly, Attacking, Band, Company, Hold, Insolent, O, Placed, Pride, Proud, Regard, Risen, Ruthless, Seek, Seeks, Sought, Soul, Terrible, ViolentDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 86:14 5793 arrogance
5824 cruelty, examples
8730 enemies, of believers
8805 pride, results 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 86:14 NIVPsalm 86:14 NLTPsalm 86:14 ESVPsalm 86:14 NASBPsalm 86:14 KJV
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