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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 86:1-7

This psalm was published under the title of a prayer of David; not as if David sung all his prayers, but into some of his songs he inserted prayers; for a psalm will admit the expressions of any pious and devout affections. But it is observable how very plain the language of this psalm is, and how little there is in it of poetic flights or figures, in comparison with some other psalms; for the flourishes of wit are not the proper ornaments of prayer. Now here we may observe, I. The petitions... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 86:4

Rejoice the soul of thy servant ,.... With the discoveries of love, of pardoning grace, and mercy, before made sad with sin or sufferings; and with the light of God's countenance, before troubled with the hidings of his face: this may be applied to Christ, in sorrowful circumstances, who was made full of joy with his Father's countenance, Matthew 26:37 . for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul : in prayer, as the Targum adds; and it denotes the devotion, fervency, heartiness, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 86:5

For thou, Lord, art good ,.... Essentially and independently good, from whom every good and perfect gift comes; good in himself, and good to others; good to all, in a providential way; and good to his own special people in a way of grace: this is asserted by Christ, Matthew 19:17 . and ready to forgive ; there is forgiveness with him, and it is to be had without difficulty; he has largely provided for it; he is forward unto it, he freely giving it; it is according to the riches of his... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 86:4

Rejoice the soul of thy servant - I want spiritual blessings; I want such consolations as thou dost impart to them that love thee; I present that soul to thee which I wish thee to console. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 86:5

For thou, Lord, art good - I found my expectations of help on thy own goodness through which thou art always ready to forgive. And I found it also on thy well-known character, to which all thy followers bear testimony, viz., that "thou art plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee." read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 86:5

Verse 5 5For thou, O Lord! art good and propitious. (483) We have here a confirmation of the whole preceding doctrine, derived from the nature of God. It would avail the afflicted nothing to have recourse to him, and to lift up their desires and prayers to heaven, were they not persuaded that he is a faithful rewarder of all who call upon him. The point upon which David now insists is, that God is bountiful and inclined to compassion, and that his mercy is so great, as to render it impossible... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 86:1-5

Prayer, the predominant note of the entire psalm, holds almost exclusive possession of the first strophe, only passing into praise when the last verse is reached, where the petitioner reminds God of his loving kindness and readiness to forgive. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 86:1-5

The psalmist's prayers and pleas. We do not know for certain the author, the date, or the circumstances of this psalm; nor for its ministry of help to us is it needful that we should. It is the fervent utterance of a devout and believing but distressed soul. Consider— I. THE PRAYERS . Even in these few verses we note: 1 . How numerous they are! "Bow down thine ear;" "Preserve my soul; Save me;" "Be merciful unto me;" "Rejoice the soul of thy servant." 2 . How... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 86:1-17

Metrically, it seems to divide itself, like Psalms 85:1-13 ; into three strophes, two shorter, and one longer, the former being of five verses each, and the latter of seven. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 86:4

Rejoice the soul of thy servant. The prayer rises from mere entreaties for relief and recovery from a state of suffering, into an earnest request for that which the heart of man is ever longing for and seeking after—gladness and joy. The faithful are promised that they shall come ultimately to a condition of exceeding great joy; but even saints are sometimes impatient, and want their joy in this world and at once. For unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul (comp. Psalms 25:1 , entitled,... read more

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