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Bible Chapter Summary

Psalms 86 Summary

A Poor Man's Prayer for God's Mercy

The psalmist, poor and needy, pleads with God to hear his prayer, preserve his soul, and save him as he trusts in God. He rejoices that God is good, ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy to all who call upon Him. The psalmist asks God to teach him His way and unite his heart to fear His name, promising to praise God with all his heart. Though the proud and violent assemblies rise against him without fearing God, God remains full of compassion, gracious, and longsuffering, and the psalmist trusts God will show him a token for good and comfort him.

Key themes

Poverty and trustGod's mercyPrayer and praiseGod's compassion

Key verses

Psalms 86:1-2

Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.

Psalms 86:5

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Psalms 86:15

But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

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