For You, O Lord, are kind and forgiving, rich in loving devotion to all who call on You. For You, O Lord, are kind and forgiving,David grounds his prayer in the revealed character of God. The Lord is good in all His ways and merciful toward repentant sinners. He forgave Israel repeatedly despite their rebellion and declared Himself “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). God’s forgiveness does not ignore sin; it rests ultimately on the sacrifice He would provide through Jesus Christ, whose death bore the guilt of all who trust in Him. Exo 34:6-7 Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out:… rich in loving devotion The Lord’s covenant love is abundant, steadfast, and faithful. His people often proved unfaithful, yet He remained true to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. That same faithful love reaches its fullest revelation in Christ, who died for sinners while they were still separated from God (Romans 5:8). Psa 145:8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger… to all who call on You. God receives all who truly seek Him in humility and faith. David knew that prayer is not merely a request for help but an appeal to the living God who hears and saves. The promise extends beyond Israel to Jew and Gentile alike: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Jol 2:32 And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 86, David is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God, his psalms, and his role as the second king of Israel. 2. God (Yahweh) The central figure in this verse, God is described with attributes of kindness, forgiveness, and loving devotion, emphasizing His character and relationship with His people. 3. Israel While not directly mentioned in this verse, the nation of Israel is the primary audience of the Psalms, and the context of David's prayers often reflects the collective experiences and spiritual journey of Israel. Teaching Points God's CharacterGod is inherently kind and forgiving. His nature is unchanging, and His attributes are consistently revealed throughout Scripture. Call on the Lord The invitation to call on God is open to all. This verse encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing His readiness to forgive and show loving devotion. Rich in Loving Devotion God's love is abundant and steadfast. Believers can rely on His unwavering commitment to those who seek Him. Forgiveness and Repentance Understanding God's forgiving nature should lead us to repentance and a desire to live in accordance with His will. Prayer as a Response Prayer is a vital response to God's character. It is through prayer that we call on God, experience His kindness, and receive His forgiveness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's kindness and forgiveness in Psalm 86:5 impact your personal relationship with Him?2. In what ways can you incorporate calling on the Lord into your daily routine, and how does this practice align with the teachings of Psalm 86:5? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's loving devotion. How did this experience shape your faith journey? 4. How do the attributes of God described in Psalm 86:5 compare to those found in Exodus 34:6-7, and what does this reveal about God's consistency throughout the Bible? 5. Considering Romans 10:12-13, how can you share the message of God's inclusive love and forgiveness with others in your community? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 34:6-7This passage describes God as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness, which parallels the attributes of God mentioned in Psalm 86:5. 1 John 1:9 This New Testament verse speaks about God's faithfulness and justice in forgiving sins, connecting to the theme of God's forgiveness in Psalm 86:5. Romans 10:12-13 These verses emphasize that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, echoing the inclusivity of God's loving devotion mentioned in Psalm 86:5.
People David, Korah, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Abounding, Abundant, Calling, Cry, Forgive, Forgiveness, Forgiving, Full, Kindness, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Loving-kindness, Mercy, O, Pardon, Plenteous, Ready, SteadfastDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 86:5 1050 God, goodness of 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 86:5 NIVPsalm 86:5 NLT Psalm 86:5 ESV Psalm 86:5 NASB Psalm 86:5 KJV Psalm 86:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |



