Click here to read PSALM 86 in poetic form
Background
Psalm 86 is in the Leviticus book of the Psalms (73—89). The Old Testament book of Leviticus focuses on matters in the sanctuary: the priesthood, ceremonial laws, and feasts. Almost all of these 17 Psalms mention the sanctuary and God’s relation to it. Psalm 86 shows Jesus Christ as the humble Messiah who seeks God’s help in the sanctuary.
This Psalm has the title “A Prayer of David.” It is the only psalm in the Leviticus Book in Psalms with such a title. This specifically speaks of the Messiah, the “son of David.”
Structure
(Verses 1-6) Requests for God’s help (Bow down, Preserve, Be merciful, Rejoice, Give ear…And attend)
(Verses 7-10) God’s greatness in helping the Messiah
(Verses 11,12) Response to God’s help and teaching (walk, praise, glorify)
(Verses 13-15) God’s greatness in helping the Messiah
(Verses 16,17) Requests for God’s help (turn unto, have mercy, give strength, save, show a token)
Key Scriptures
Verse 2, 14—“Preserve my soul; for I am holy.” “O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul.” God preserved Jesus Christ’s life—from the time he was a young child sought to be slain by Herod, to the many times in his ministry when he was attacked and set up for murder by his religious foes. See “Escape Artists” for further details.
Verse 7—“In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.” Jesus Christ had absolute trust in his Father’s help when he needed it. John 11:41: “And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always….”
Verse 16—“give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.” Jesus Christ strengthened himself in the Father. (Luke 22:43). He was the son of God’s handmaid, Mary (Luke 1:38,48).
FOR FURTHER STUDY
All 150 of The Psalms in Poetic Form are available from Amazon in a book, either Large Print or a smaller Bedside Reader. Also available for free with a Kindle Unlimited membership. Enjoy!
The entire blog series is now available in the publication The Psalms: Background & Structure with Key Scriptures Explained.
