Preserve my soul, for I am godly. You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You. Preserve my soul, for I am godly.The psalmist begins with a plea for preservation, indicating a deep sense of vulnerability and dependence on God. The term "soul" here refers to the entirety of one's being, emphasizing the need for divine protection. The claim of being "godly" suggests a life dedicated to following God's commandments and living in accordance with His will. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where faithfulness is met with divine care. The psalmist's appeal is rooted in the understanding that God honors those who strive to live righteously, as seen in passages like Psalm 4:3, which states that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself. You are my God;
This declaration of personal relationship underscores the psalmist's commitment and loyalty to God. It is a statement of faith and recognition of God's sovereignty. The phrase echoes the covenant language found throughout the Old Testament, where God repeatedly affirms His relationship with Israel, such as in Exodus 6:7, "I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God." This personal acknowledgment of God as "my God" signifies trust and reliance on His power and authority. save Your servant who trusts in You.
The psalmist identifies as God's servant, highlighting a position of humility and submission. This reflects the biblical theme of servanthood, where true greatness is found in serving God and others, as exemplified by Jesus Christ in the New Testament (Mark 10:45). The plea for salvation is not just physical but encompasses spiritual deliverance, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of God as the ultimate Savior. Trust is a central theme here, indicating a deep-seated faith in God's ability to rescue and provide. This trust is echoed in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages believers to trust in the Lord with all their heart. The psalmist's reliance on God for salvation is a precursor to the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the Savior, fulfilling the ultimate promise of deliverance for those who trust in Him. 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 role as king of Israel, and his authorship of many psalms. 2. GodThe central figure in this verse, God is portrayed as the preserver and savior, highlighting His role as a protector and the one in whom trust is placed. 3. ServantRefers to the psalmist, likely David, who identifies himself as a servant of God, emphasizing humility and devotion. Teaching Points God's PreservationThe Hebrew word for "preserve" (shamar) implies guarding or keeping safe. Believers can trust in God's ability to protect their souls amidst life's challenges. Living a Godly LifeThe term "godly" (chasid) refers to one who is faithful and devoted. This calls Christians to live lives marked by devotion and righteousness. Trust in GodTrust is a recurring theme in Scripture. The psalmist's reliance on God serves as a model for believers to place their confidence in God's character and promises. ServanthoodIdentifying as God's servant reflects humility and submission. Christians are encouraged to adopt a servant's heart, seeking to serve God and others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of God preserving our souls provide comfort in times of trouble? Can you think of a personal experience where you felt God's protection? 2. In what ways can we cultivate a godly life as described in Psalm 86:2? How does this align with New Testament teachings on holiness? 3. What does it mean to trust in God, and how can we practically demonstrate this trust in our daily lives? 4. How does identifying as a servant of God influence our actions and decisions? Can you find other biblical examples of servanthood? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How can the encouragement from Psalm 86:2 and related scriptures help you draw near to Him again? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 25:20This verse also speaks of God preserving the soul of the faithful, reinforcing the theme of divine protection for those who trust in Him. 2 Timothy 1:12Paul expresses his trust in God to guard what he has entrusted to Him, echoing the psalmist's reliance on God's faithfulness. James 4:8Encourages believers to draw near to God, which aligns with the psalmist's declaration of trust and relationship with God. People David, Korah, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics TRUE, Devoted, Godly, Holy, Hope, O, Pious, Preserve, Salvation, Save, Servant, Soul, Trusteth, Trusting, TrustsDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 86:2 5292 defence, divine
8251 faithfulness, to God 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 86:2 NIVPsalm 86:2 NLTPsalm 86:2 ESVPsalm 86:2 NASBPsalm 86:2 KJV
Psalm 86:2 Commentaries
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