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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 86:1

Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me ,.... This is spoken of God after the manner of men, who, when they listen and attentively hearken to what is said to them, stoop and bow the head, and incline the ear; and it denotes condescension in the Lord, who humbles himself as to look upon men, so to bow down the ear and hearken to them: this favour is granted to the saints, to whom he is a God hearing and answering prayer, and which Christ, as man and Mediator, enjoyed; see Hebrews 5:7 , for I... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 86:2

Preserve my soul ,.... Or life, which Saul sought after; and this prayer was heard: David was often remarkably preserved by the Lord from his attempts upon him; and so was the soul or life of Christ preserved in his infancy from Herod's malice; in the wilderness from wild beasts, and from perishing with hunger; and often from the designs of the Jews, to take away his life before his time; and he was supported in death, preserved from corruption in the grave, and raised from thence: instances... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 86:3

Be merciful unto me, O Lord ,.... In my distressed and miserable condition, being an object of mercy, pity, and compassion; this petition is used by Christ in Psalm 41:10 . for I cry unto thee daily ; or "all the day"; every day, and several times in a day, Psalm 55:17 constant and importunate prayer is the duty of saints, and available with God, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 . Christ was much in the exercise of it, Luke 6:12 . 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 86:1

Bow down thine ear - Spoken after the manner of men: I am so low, and so weak, that, unless thou stoop to me, my voice cannot reach thee. Poor and needy - I am afflicted, and destitute of the necessaries of life. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 86:2

Preserve my soul - Keep it as in a strong place. For I am holy - אני חשיד כי ki chasid ani , for I am merciful. The spirit of this prayer is, "The mercy I to others show, That mercy show to me!" Save thy servant - I have long taken thee as my Master and Lord; I receive the word from thy mouth, and obey thee. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 86:3

Be merciful unto me - I have no merit; I plead none, but trust in thee alone. I cry unto thee daily - My state deeply affects me; and I incessantly cry for thy salvation. 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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 86:1

Verse 1 1.Incline thy ear, O Jehovah! Neither the inscription nor the contents of this psalm enable us to conclude with certainty what dangers David here complains of; but the psalm in all probability refers to that period of his life when he was persecuted by Saul, and describes the train of thought which then occupied his mind, although it may not have been written until after his restoration to a state of outward peace and tranquillity, when he enjoyed greater leisure. He does not without... read more

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