Show me a sign of Your goodness, that my enemies may see and be ashamed; for You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me. Show me a sign of Your goodnessThe phrase "Show me a sign of Your goodness" is a heartfelt plea from David, the psalmist, for a tangible demonstration of God's favor. The Hebrew word for "sign" (אוֹת, 'oth) often refers to a miraculous or divine indication. In the biblical context, signs were frequently used by God to confirm His promises or to demonstrate His power and presence, as seen in the lives of figures like Moses and Gideon. David's request for a sign is not merely for personal reassurance but also as a testament to others of God's active involvement in his life. This reflects a deep trust in God's character and His willingness to intervene in human affairs. that my enemies may see and be ashamed
The phrase "that my enemies may see and be ashamed" highlights the public nature of God's intervention. The Hebrew word for "ashamed" (בּוֹשׁ, bosh) implies a sense of disgrace or humiliation. David desires that his adversaries witness God's favor upon him, leading them to recognize their own folly in opposing one whom God supports. This is not a call for personal vengeance but rather a desire for God's justice to be evident, turning the hearts of the enemies towards repentance or acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. For You, O LORD, have helped me
"For You, O LORD, have helped me" is a declaration of past experiences of divine assistance. The use of "LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) is significant, as it is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and unchanging nature. The Hebrew word for "helped" (עָזַר, azar) conveys the idea of support and deliverance. David reflects on previous instances where God has intervened on his behalf, providing a foundation of trust for his current request. This acknowledgment of past help serves to strengthen his faith and reliance on God's continued provision. and comforted me
The phrase "and comforted me" speaks to the emotional and spiritual solace that God provides. The Hebrew word for "comforted" (נָחַם, nacham) can also mean to console or to bring relief. This aspect of God's character is crucial, as it shows that He is not only a God of action but also one of compassion and care. David's recognition of God's comfort underscores the personal relationship he has with the Lord, where God is not distant but intimately involved in the well-being of His people. This comfort is a source of strength and peace, enabling David to face his challenges with confidence in God's presence and support. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 86, David is seeking God's intervention and assurance in the face of his adversaries. 2. EnemiesThe unspecified adversaries of David, representing those who oppose the righteous. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and relationship with His people. Teaching Points Seeking Assurance from GodDavid's request for a sign of God's goodness is a model for believers to seek divine assurance in times of trouble. God's FaithfulnessThe verse emphasizes God's role as a helper and comforter, encouraging believers to trust in His faithfulness. Witness to OthersThe desire for enemies to see and be ashamed suggests that God's work in our lives can serve as a testimony to others. Prayer in AdversityDavid's prayer demonstrates the importance of turning to God in difficult times, seeking His intervention and comfort. Confidence in God's CharacterThe verse reflects confidence in God's character, encouraging believers to rely on His goodness and mercy. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's request for a sign of God's goodness challenge us to seek God's presence in our own lives? 2. In what ways can God's intervention in our lives serve as a testimony to those around us, including our adversaries? 3. How does understanding God's role as a helper and comforter influence our response to personal trials? 4. What other biblical examples can you find where God provided a sign or assurance to His people? 5. How can we apply the principles of Psalm 86:17 in our prayer life, especially when facing opposition or challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 86:5Earlier in the same Psalm, David acknowledges God's readiness to forgive and His abundant love, which sets the context for his plea for a sign of goodness. Exodus 33:13Moses asks God to show him His ways, similar to David's request for a sign, highlighting the desire for divine assurance. Isaiah 41:10God's promise to strengthen and help His people, paralleling the comfort and help David seeks. John 14:27Jesus speaks of giving peace, which aligns with the comfort David receives from God. People David, Korah, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics 87, Behalf, Comfort, Comforted, Enemies, Favor, Goodness, Hast, Hate, Haters, Hating, Helped, Holpen, Korah, O, Psalm, Shame, Shamed, Shew, Sign, Song, Sons, Token, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 86:17 1050 God, goodness of
5362 justice, believers' lives
5566 suffering, encouragements in
8416 encouragement, promises 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 86:17 NIVPsalm 86:17 NLTPsalm 86:17 ESVPsalm 86:17 NASBPsalm 86:17 KJV
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