Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name. Teach me Your way, O LORDThis phrase reflects a deep desire for divine guidance and instruction. The psalmist acknowledges the need for God's direction, which is a recurring theme throughout the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 25:4-5). The use of "Your way" indicates a path of righteousness and holiness, aligning with God's character and commandments. In biblical context, "the way" often refers to a lifestyle or conduct that is pleasing to God, as seen in Deuteronomy 5:33. The invocation of "O LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes a personal relationship with God, highlighting His covenantal faithfulness and the psalmist's trust in Him. that I may walk in Your truth.
Walking in truth implies living a life consistent with God's revealed will and character. Truth in the biblical sense is not just factual accuracy but encompasses faithfulness and reliability, as seen in John 17:17, where Jesus prays, "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth." The psalmist's request to walk in truth suggests a commitment to live according to God's standards, reflecting a life transformed by His teachings. This aligns with the New Testament call to live by the Spirit and not by the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Give me an undivided heart,
An undivided heart signifies complete devotion and loyalty to God, free from idolatry or competing allegiances. In the historical context of Israel, divided hearts often led to spiritual adultery, as seen in the worship of foreign gods (1 Kings 11:4). The psalmist's plea for an undivided heart echoes the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:5, which commands love for God with all one's heart, soul, and strength. This request is a call for inner integrity and singular focus on God, which is essential for true worship and obedience. that I may fear Your name.
Fearing God's name involves reverence, awe, and respect for His holiness and authority. In biblical culture, a name represents the essence and character of a person. Thus, fearing God's name means acknowledging His sovereignty and living in a way that honors Him. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom," indicating that such fear is foundational to a righteous life. This fear is not terror but a profound respect that leads to obedience and worship, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Abraham and Moses. 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. LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with His people. 3. JerusalemWhile not directly mentioned in this verse, Jerusalem is often the backdrop for David's life and prayers, symbolizing the center of worship and God's presence among His people. Teaching Points Seeking Divine GuidanceDavid's request for God to "teach me Your way" highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance in our daily lives. As believers, we should continually ask God to reveal His path for us. Walking in TruthWalking in God's truth requires a commitment to live according to His Word. This involves studying Scripture, prayer, and obedience to God's commands. The Importance of an Undivided HeartAn undivided heart is one that is wholly devoted to God, free from competing loyalties or distractions. This is essential for true worship and reverence for God's name. The Fear of the LordFearing God's name involves a deep respect and awe for His holiness and authority. It is the foundation of wisdom and leads to a life that honors God. Bible Study Questions 1. What does it mean to you personally to ask God to "teach me Your way"? How can you incorporate this request into your daily prayer life? 2. In what ways can you ensure that you are "walking in God's truth" in your current circumstances? Are there specific areas where you need to align more closely with His Word? 3. Reflect on the concept of an "undivided heart." What are some distractions or competing loyalties in your life that might prevent you from fully devoting yourself to God? 4. How does the fear of the Lord influence your decisions and actions? Can you think of a recent situation where this reverence guided your behavior? 5. Consider the connection between Psalm 86:11 and James 1:5. How can seeking God's wisdom help you in making decisions and facing challenges in your life? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 25:4-5This passage echoes the plea for God to teach and guide, emphasizing reliance on God's truth and salvation. James 1:5This New Testament verse encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to those who ask in faith. Ezekiel 11:19This verse speaks of God giving His people a new heart, aligning with the request for an undivided heart in Psalm 86:11. People David, Korah, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Clear, Faith, Fear, Glad, Heart, O, Rejoice, Teach, Truth, Undivided, Unite, WalkDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 86:11 1150 God, truth of
1175 God, will of
1461 truth, nature of
4020 life, of faith
5017 heart, renewal
5197 walking
5909 motives, importance
6185 imagination, desires
8128 guidance, receiving
8351 teachableness Psalm 86:9-11 8470 respect, for God Psalm 86:11-12 5042 name of God, significance 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 86:11 NIVPsalm 86:11 NLTPsalm 86:11 ESVPsalm 86:11 NASBPsalm 86:11 KJV
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