But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness. But You, O LordThis phrase begins with a direct address to God, emphasizing a personal relationship and recognition of His sovereignty. The Hebrew word for "Lord" here is "Adonai," which signifies God's authority and lordship. In the context of ancient Israel, acknowledging God as "Adonai" was a declaration of His supreme power and a commitment to His covenant relationship with His people. This phrase sets the tone for the verse, highlighting the psalmist's reliance on God's character. are a compassionate and gracious God
The Hebrew words for "compassionate" (rachum) and "gracious" (chanun) are deeply rooted in the character of God as revealed throughout the Old Testament. "Rachum" is derived from the root word for "womb," suggesting a nurturing, tender love akin to that of a mother. "Chanun" conveys the idea of favor and kindness, often undeserved. Together, these attributes underscore God's loving nature and His willingness to extend mercy and grace to His people, even when they falter. slow to anger
This phrase reflects God's patience and long-suffering nature. The Hebrew term "erek apayim" literally means "long of nostrils," a metaphorical expression indicating a slow response to provocation. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this was a counter-cultural depiction of deity, as many gods of the time were seen as quick-tempered and vengeful. The psalmist here praises God for His restraint and willingness to withhold judgment, giving people time to repent and return to Him. abounding in loving devotion
The Hebrew word "chesed" is translated here as "loving devotion," and it is one of the most significant terms in the Old Testament. It encompasses love, loyalty, and faithfulness, often in the context of a covenant relationship. God's "chesed" is a steadfast, enduring love that remains constant despite human unfaithfulness. This phrase reassures believers of God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His people. and truth
The word "truth" is translated from the Hebrew "emet," which conveys reliability, faithfulness, and stability. In the biblical context, "emet" is not just factual accuracy but encompasses the idea of trustworthiness and dependability. God's truth is a foundation upon which believers can build their lives, confident that His words and actions are consistent and reliable. This attribute assures the psalmist and the reader of God's integrity and the certainty of His promises. 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. IsraelWhile 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 LivesJust 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 TruthGod'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 ActionGod'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 FaithfulnessKnowing 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 9:17This verse recounts Israel's history and God's enduring patience and mercy, echoing the attributes listed in Psalm 86:15. Jonah 4:2Jonah acknowledges God's gracious and compassionate nature, slow to anger and abounding in love, paralleling the description in Psalm 86:15. Ephesians 2:4-5Paul 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
1095 God, patience of
1205 God, titles of
1230 God, the Lord
2015 Christ, compassion
5790 anger, divine
5934 restraint
6667 grace, in OT
8203 character Psalm 86:15-16 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 ScriptureMy Savior Whose Infinite Grace
"Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee." -- Psalm 86:5. My Savior whose infinite grace Most kindly encompasses me, Whose goodness more brightly I trace, The more of my life that I see. -- The sins that I mournfully own, Thy meekness and mercy exalt, -- And sweet is the voice from Thy throne, That tenderly shows me a fault. Even now, while my praises arise, A sorrowful spirit is mine; A spirit Thou wilt not despise, For O! it is mourning …
Miss A. L. Waring—Hymns and Meditations That it is Profitable to Communicate Often
The Voice of the Disciple Behold I come unto Thee, O Lord, that I may be blessed through Thy gift, and be made joyful in Thy holy feast which Thou, O God, of Thy goodness hast prepared for the poor.(1) Behold in Thee is all that I can and ought to desire, Thou art my salvation and redemption, my hope and strength, my honour and glory. Therefore rejoice the soul of Thy servant this day, for unto Thee, O Lord Jesus, do I lift up my soul.(2) I long now to receive Thee devoutly and reverently, I desire …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ The Truth of God
The next attribute is God's truth. A God of truth and without iniquity; just and right is he.' Deut 32:4. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.' Psa 57:10. Plenteous in truth.' Psa 86:15. I. God is the truth. He is true in a physical sense; true in his being: he has a real subsistence, and gives a being to others. He is true in a moral sense; he is true sine errore, without errors; et sine fallacia, without deceit. God is prima veritas, the pattern and prototype …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy
Sermon I (November 2, 1148.)[1005] 1. A certain abundant blessing, dearly beloved, has been sent by the counsel of heaven to you this day; and if it were not faithfully divided, you would suffer loss, and I, to whom of a surety this office seems to have been committed, would incur danger. I fear therefore your loss, I fear my own damnation,[1006] if perchance it be said, The young children ask bread, and no man offereth it unto them.[1007] For I know how necessary for you is the consolation which …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh The Mercy of God
The next attribute is God's goodness or mercy. Mercy is the result and effect of God's goodness. Psa 33:5. So then this is the next attribute, God's goodness or mercy. The most learned of the heathens thought they gave their god Jupiter two golden characters when they styled him good and great. Both these meet in God, goodness and greatness, majesty and mercy. God is essentially good in himself and relatively good to us. They are both put together in Psa 119:98. Thou art good, and doest good.' This …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Third Commandment
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Exod 20: 7. This commandment has two parts: 1. A negative expressed, that we must not take God's name in vain; that is, cast any reflections and dishonour on his name. 2. An affirmative implied. That we should take care to reverence and honour his name. Of this latter I shall speak more fully, under the first petition in the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be thy name.' I shall …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 86:15 NIVPsalm 86:15 NLTPsalm 86:15 ESVPsalm 86:15 NASBPsalm 86:15 KJV
Psalm 86:15 Commentaries
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