But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness. But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,This phrase highlights the character of God as compassionate and gracious. The Hebrew words used here, "rachum" (compassionate) and "chanun" (gracious), are often used to describe God's nature throughout the Old Testament. This description of God is consistent with His self-revelation in Exodus 34:6, where He declares His nature to Moses. The compassion of God is seen in His care for His people, as demonstrated in His provision and protection throughout Israel's history. The grace of God is evident in His willingness to forgive and restore, despite human failings. This understanding of God’s character is foundational to the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing His willingness to extend mercy and favor. Exo 34:6 Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out:… slow to anger, The phrase "slow to anger" is a translation of the Hebrew "erek apayim," which literally means "long of nostrils," a metaphor for patience. This attribute of God is significant in the context of His dealings with Israel, who frequently turned away from Him. Despite their repeated disobedience, God’s patience allowed for repentance and return. This patience is also a theme in the prophetic books, where God often warns of judgment but delays it to give His people time to repent. The New Testament echoes this attribute in 2 Peter 3:9, where God’s patience is linked to His desire for all to come to repentance. Num 14:18 The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion… abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness. The Hebrew words "chesed" (loving devotion) and "emet" (faithfulness) are central to understanding God’s covenant relationship with His people. "Chesed" is often translated as "steadfast love" or "lovingkindness," and it conveys a sense of loyalty and commitment. This is the love that God shows in His covenant with Israel, a love that is unwavering despite human unfaithfulness. "Emet" refers to truth and reliability, underscoring God’s trustworthiness. These attributes are seen in God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His faithfulness in fulfilling them. In the New Testament, Jesus embodies these qualities, as seen in John 1:14, where He is described as "full of grace and truth," reflecting the same steadfast love and faithfulness of God. Psa 89:14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of Psalm 86, David is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God, his role as the second king of Israel, and his authorship of many psalms. 2. God (Yahweh) The central focus of this verse, God is described with attributes that highlight His character and nature, emphasizing His compassion, grace, patience, love, and truth. 3. Israel While not directly mentioned in this verse, the nation of Israel is the broader context in which David writes, often experiencing God's attributes firsthand through their history. Teaching Points Understanding God's CharacterRecognize that God's nature is inherently compassionate and gracious. This understanding should shape our view of Him and our relationship with Him. Patience in Our Lives Just as God is slow to anger, we are called to emulate His patience in our interactions with others, reflecting His character in our daily lives. Abounding Love and Truth God's love and truth are abundant and unwavering. We should strive to live in a way that reflects His love and truth to those around us. Grace in Action God's grace is a model for how we should extend grace to others, forgiving and showing kindness even when it is undeserved. Trust in God's Faithfulness Knowing that God is abounding in truth, we can trust in His promises and faithfulness, even when circumstances are challenging. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's compassionate and gracious nature affect your personal relationship with Him?2. In what ways can you practice being "slow to anger" in your daily interactions, reflecting God's patience? 3. How can you demonstrate God's "abounding love and truth" in your community or workplace? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's grace. How can that experience inspire you to extend grace to others? 5. How do the attributes of God described in Psalm 86:15 provide comfort and assurance in times of difficulty or uncertainty? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 34:6-7This passage describes God revealing His character to Moses, using similar language to Psalm 86:15, emphasizing God's compassion, grace, patience, love, and truth. Nehemiah 9:17 This verse recounts Israel's history and God's enduring patience and mercy, echoing the attributes listed in Psalm 86:15. Jonah 4:2 Jonah acknowledges God's gracious and compassionate nature, slow to anger and abounding in love, paralleling the description in Psalm 86:15. Ephesians 2:4-5 Paul speaks of God's rich mercy and great love, which aligns with the attributes of God described in Psalm 86:15.
People David, Korah, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Abounding, Abundant, Anger, Angry, Compassion, Compassionate, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, Full, Goodness, Gracious, Kindness, Longsuffering, Long-suffering, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Merciful, Mercy, O, Pity, Plenteous, Slow, Steadfast, Truth, WisdomDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 86:15 1030 God, compassion 6688 mercy, demonstration of God's 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 Scripture My Savior Whose Infinite Grace That it is Profitable to Communicate Often The Truth of God Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy The Mercy of God The Third Commandment Psalms Links Psalm 86:15 NIVPsalm 86:15 NLT Psalm 86:15 ESV Psalm 86:15 NASB Psalm 86:15 KJV Psalm 86:15 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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