Psalm 86:16

Turn to me and have mercy; grant Your strength to Your servant; save the son of Your maidservant.

Study Bible

Turn to me
This phrase is a heartfelt plea from David, the psalmist, seeking God's attention and favor. The Hebrew root for "turn" is "פָּנָה" (panah), which implies a change of direction or focus. In the context of a relationship with God, it signifies a desire for divine intervention and presence. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of gods who were believed to be attentive to the cries of their worshippers. David's request is not just for God to look his way but to actively engage with him, demonstrating the personal and relational nature of the God of Israel.

and have mercy
The Hebrew word for "mercy" is "חָנַן" (chanan), which conveys grace, favor, and compassion. In the biblical context, mercy is a central attribute of God, often associated with His covenantal love and faithfulness. David's appeal for mercy acknowledges his dependence on God's grace rather than his own merit. This reflects a deep understanding of human frailty and the need for divine compassion, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing God's readiness to forgive and restore.

on me
This personal pronoun underscores the individual nature of David's plea. It highlights the personal relationship between the psalmist and God, a relationship that is intimate and direct. In the broader biblical narrative, this personal approach to God is a hallmark of the faith of Israel, where individuals are encouraged to seek God personally and directly, trusting in His willingness to respond to their specific needs and circumstances.

Show Your strength
The phrase calls upon God to demonstrate His power and might. The Hebrew root "עָזַר" (azar) often refers to God's ability to deliver and protect. In the historical context of Israel, God's strength was frequently manifested in acts of deliverance and salvation, such as the Exodus. David's request is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to intervene powerfully in human affairs, providing hope and assurance to those who trust in Him.

in behalf of Your servant
Here, David identifies himself as God's servant, a term that denotes loyalty, submission, and dedication. The Hebrew word "עֶבֶד" (eved) is often used to describe those who are in a covenant relationship with God, serving Him faithfully. This self-identification reflects David's humility and his recognition of his role within God's divine plan. It also underscores the biblical theme of servanthood as a path to experiencing God's favor and blessing.

save me
The plea for salvation is central to the psalmist's cry. The Hebrew word "יָשַׁע" (yasha) means to deliver or rescue. In the biblical context, salvation encompasses both physical deliverance from danger and spiritual redemption. David's request for salvation is a profound expression of trust in God's ability to rescue him from his troubles, reflecting the broader biblical narrative of God's saving acts throughout history.

because I am faithful
This phrase highlights the psalmist's commitment to God. The Hebrew word "חָסִיד" (chasid) can be translated as "faithful" or "devout," indicating a life characterized by loyalty and devotion to God. David's assertion of his faithfulness is not a claim to perfection but rather an affirmation of his sincere dedication to living according to God's will. This reflects the biblical principle that God honors those who earnestly seek Him and strive to live in accordance with His commandments.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of Psalm 86, David is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God, his role as king of Israel, and his authorship of many psalms.

2. God
The recipient of David's prayer, God is portrayed as merciful and powerful, capable of granting strength and salvation.

3. Servant
Refers to David himself, who humbly positions himself as a servant of God, seeking divine intervention and strength.

4. Son of Your Maidservant
This phrase emphasizes David's humility and his lineage of faith, possibly referring to his mother’s devotion to God.

Teaching Points

Dependence on God’s Mercy
Recognize our need for God's mercy in every aspect of life. Like David, we should approach God with humility, acknowledging our dependence on His grace.

Seeking Divine Strength
In times of weakness, seek God's strength. David's prayer is a model for us to ask God for the strength to face our challenges.

Understanding Our Identity in Christ
Embrace our identity as servants of God. Just as David identifies himself as a servant, we too are called to serve God faithfully.

The Legacy of Faith
Consider the impact of a godly heritage. David's reference to being the "son of Your maidservant" reminds us of the importance of passing down faith through generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's request for mercy in Psalm 86:16 reflect his understanding of God's character?

2. In what ways can we apply David's humility and dependence on God in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of being a "servant" of God influence our actions and decisions as Christians?

4. What are some practical ways we can seek God's strength in our moments of weakness?

5. How can we ensure that our faith is passed down to future generations, as seen in David's reference to his mother?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 123:2
This verse also speaks of looking to God for mercy, highlighting the theme of dependence on divine grace.

2 Samuel 7:8-16
God's covenant with David, promising strength and an enduring kingdom, connects to David's plea for strength in Psalm 86:16.

Isaiah 40:29-31
These verses speak of God giving strength to the weary, paralleling David's request for divine strength.

Luke 1:38
Mary's response to the angel, "I am the Lord's servant," echoes the humility and servitude expressed by David.