Psalm 86:16

Turn to me and have mercy; grant Your strength to Your servant; save the son of Your maidservant.

Study Bible

Turn to me and have mercy;
This phrase is a plea for God's attention and compassion. The psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, often found himself in situations of distress and sought God's intervention. The request for God to "turn" suggests a desire for divine favor and presence, echoing the covenant relationship where God promises to be attentive to His people (Deuteronomy 4:31). Mercy is a central theme in the Psalms, reflecting God's character as compassionate and gracious (Exodus 34:6). This plea is consistent with the understanding of God as a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

grant Your strength to Your servant;
The psalmist acknowledges his own weakness and dependence on God's power. The term "servant" indicates a relationship of submission and loyalty to God, reminiscent of the servant-leader model seen in figures like Moses and David himself. The request for strength is not just physical but also spiritual, enabling the psalmist to endure trials and fulfill God's purposes. This aligns with the biblical theme of God empowering His chosen ones, as seen in the lives of Samson (Judges 16:28) and Paul (Philippians 4:13).

save the son of Your maidservant.
This phrase highlights a personal and humble appeal, emphasizing the psalmist's lineage and connection to a faithful heritage. The reference to "maidservant" suggests a background of servitude and humility, possibly indicating the psalmist's mother was a devout follower of God. This familial connection underscores the importance of faith passed down through generations, as seen in Timothy's relationship with his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). The plea for salvation is both immediate and eternal, reflecting the psalmist's trust in God's deliverance, which is ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Savior.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of Psalm 86, David is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God, his role as king of Israel, and his authorship of many psalms.

2. God
The recipient of David's prayer, God is portrayed as merciful and powerful, capable of granting strength and salvation.

3. Servant
Refers to David himself, who humbly positions himself as a servant of God, seeking divine intervention and strength.

4. Son of Your Maidservant
This phrase emphasizes David's humility and his lineage of faith, possibly referring to his mother’s devotion to God.

Teaching Points

Dependence on God’s Mercy
Recognize our need for God's mercy in every aspect of life. Like David, we should approach God with humility, acknowledging our dependence on His grace.

Seeking Divine Strength
In times of weakness, seek God's strength. David's prayer is a model for us to ask God for the strength to face our challenges.

Understanding Our Identity in Christ
Embrace our identity as servants of God. Just as David identifies himself as a servant, we too are called to serve God faithfully.

The Legacy of Faith
Consider the impact of a godly heritage. David's reference to being the "son of Your maidservant" reminds us of the importance of passing down faith through generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's request for mercy in Psalm 86:16 reflect his understanding of God's character?

2. In what ways can we apply David's humility and dependence on God in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of being a "servant" of God influence our actions and decisions as Christians?

4. What are some practical ways we can seek God's strength in our moments of weakness?

5. How can we ensure that our faith is passed down to future generations, as seen in David's reference to his mother?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 123:2
This verse also speaks of looking to God for mercy, highlighting the theme of dependence on divine grace.

2 Samuel 7:8-16
God's covenant with David, promising strength and an enduring kingdom, connects to David's plea for strength in Psalm 86:16.

Isaiah 40:29-31
These verses speak of God giving strength to the weary, paralleling David's request for divine strength.

Luke 1:38
Mary's response to the angel, "I am the Lord's servant," echoes the humility and servitude expressed by David.