David Prays For Protection From Enemies
May 11, 2020
Commentary
In this psalm the psalmist petitions God to show His strength in the face of opposition.
- A prayer for protection (vv. 1-5) – In his prayer David earnestly requests that God hear, answer, guard, save, have mercy on and bring joy to him because of his poor and needy condition. The context clearly implies that God is gracious, a pardoner, forgiving, and one who will show mercy unto all them that call on Him.
- A praise for power – (vv. 6-13) – David repeated his call for the Lord to hear him. His confidence that God would answer him was strengthened by his knowledge that the Lord is fully able to do what he asked. David appears to be praising the Lord that the God of all nations will one day bring to pass the glorious reign of the Lord Jesus Christ who will rule the nations with a rod of iron.
- A petition for strength (vv. 14-17) – Because the proud has risen against David he asked God for strength. His enemies were ruthless men, with no regard for the Lord. However, in contrast, the Lord is compassionate, gracious…..slow to anger, loving and faithful.
Application
Just because something is not going very well, or I am in the middle of a big mess doesn’t mean that God is out of the picture. There are times I can be right in the middle of God’s will and still be in an awful situation. Just think of Joseph when Potiphar’s wife tried to get him to commit adultery, he ran from her but still ended up in prison. I would hope I would respond like Joseph.
Psalms 86:1– 17 (NET)
1 Listen, O Lord. Answer me. For I am oppressed and needy.
2 Protect me, for I am loyal. You are my God; deliver your servant who trusts in you.
3 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I cry out to you all day long.
4 Make your servant glad, for to you, O Lord, I pray.
5 Certainly, O Lord, you are kind and forgiving, and show great faithfulness to all who cry out to you.
6 O Lord, hear my prayer. Pay attention to my plea for mercy.
7 In my time of trouble I cry out to you, for you will answer me.
8 None can compare to you among the gods, O Lord. Your exploits are incomparable.
9 All the nations, whom you created, will come and worship you, O Lord. They will honor your name.
10 For you are great and do amazing things. You alone are God.
11 O Lord, teach me how you want me to live. Then I will obey your commands. Make me wholeheartedly committed to you.
12 O Lord, my God, I will give you thanks with my whole heart. I will honor your name continually.
13 For you will extend your great loyal love to me, and will deliver my life from the depths of Sheol.
14 O God, arrogant men attack me; a gang of ruthless men, who do not respect you, seek my life.
15 But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and merciful God. You are patient and demonstrate great loyal love and faithfulness.
16 Turn toward me and have mercy on me. Give your servant your strength. Deliver this son of your female servant.
17 Show me evidence of your favor. Then those who hate me will see it and be ashamed, for you, O Lord, will help me and comfort me.