Hear my prayer, O LORD, and attend to my plea for mercy. Hear my prayerThe phrase "Hear my prayer" is a heartfelt appeal to God, emphasizing the psalmist's deep desire for divine attention. The Hebrew word for "hear" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just listening but also understanding and responding. This reflects the psalmist's faith that God is not a distant deity but a personal and relational God who is attentive to the cries of His people. In the historical context, prayer was a central part of Jewish worship, and the psalmist's plea underscores the belief that God is accessible and willing to engage with His followers. O LORD
The term "O LORD" is a translation of the Hebrew "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the sacred and personal name of God revealed to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This name signifies God's eternal existence and His covenant relationship with Israel. By invoking this name, the psalmist acknowledges God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and intimate involvement in the lives of His people. It is a reminder of the covenantal promises and the assurance that God is both powerful and personal. and attend to
The phrase "and attend to" comes from the Hebrew "קָשַׁב" (qashab), meaning to pay close attention or to give heed. This word conveys an earnest request for God's focused attention, suggesting that the psalmist is in a situation of urgency or distress. It reflects the belief that God is not only capable of hearing but is also willing to engage actively in the lives of those who seek Him. The historical context of the psalms often involves moments of crisis, where the psalmist seeks God's intervention and care. my plea for mercy
The phrase "my plea for mercy" is rooted in the Hebrew word "תַּחֲנוּן" (tachanun), which denotes a supplication or entreaty for grace and compassion. This reflects the psalmist's recognition of human frailty and the need for divine grace. In the scriptural context, mercy is a central theme, highlighting God's lovingkindness and willingness to forgive and restore. The plea for mercy acknowledges human dependence on God's benevolence and the hope that He will respond with compassion and deliverance. This is a powerful reminder of the grace available to believers who humbly seek God's favor. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the 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 used in the Old Testament, emphasizing His eternal nature and His relationship with His people. 3. SupplicationsThis term refers to earnest prayers or requests made to God, highlighting the psalmist's dependence on divine intervention. Teaching Points The Importance of PrayerPrayer is a vital communication channel with God, as demonstrated by David's earnest plea for God to hear him. God's AttentivenessThe psalmist's request for God to "give ear" and "attend" underscores the belief that God is attentive and responsive to the prayers of His people. Earnestness in SupplicationThe use of "supplications" indicates a deep, heartfelt plea, encouraging believers to approach God with sincerity and urgency in their prayers. Trust in God's CharacterDavid's prayer reflects a trust in God's character as a compassionate and listening God, encouraging believers to have confidence in God's willingness to hear and respond. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the character of God as attentive and responsive influence your approach to prayer? 2. In what ways can you incorporate more earnestness and sincerity in your prayer life, as seen in David's supplications? 3. How do the connections to Philippians 4:6-7 and 1 Peter 5:7 enhance your understanding of God's care and peace in response to prayer? 4. Reflect on a time when you felt God heard your prayers. How did that experience impact your faith and trust in Him? 5. How can you encourage others in your community or church to develop a deeper prayer life based on the principles found in Psalm 86:6? Connections to Other Scriptures Philippians 4:6-7This passage encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, promising peace that guards hearts and minds, similar to the psalmist's plea for God to hear his supplications. 1 Peter 5:7This verse instructs believers to cast all their anxieties on God because He cares for them, echoing the trust and reliance on God seen in Psalm 86:6. Hebrews 4:16This verse invites believers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, aligning with the psalmist's bold request for God to hear his prayer. People David, Korah, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Attend, Cry, Ear, Hearken, Heed, Listen, Mercy, Note, O, Petitions, Prayer, Requests, Supplication, Supplications, VoiceDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 86:5 1050 God, goodness of
6040 sinners
8640 calling upon God
8844 unforgiveness Psalm 86:3-5 1230 God, the Lord 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 86:6 NIVPsalm 86:6 NLTPsalm 86:6 ESVPsalm 86:6 NASBPsalm 86:6 KJV
Psalm 86:6 Commentaries
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