Psalm 86:5

For You, O Lord, are kind and forgiving, rich in loving devotion to all who call on You.

Study Bible

For You, O Lord, are kind and forgiving
This phrase highlights the character of God as both kind and forgiving. The Hebrew word for "kind" can also be translated as "good," emphasizing God's benevolent nature. The concept of forgiveness is central to the biblical narrative, seen in God's covenant with Israel and His willingness to forgive their transgressions. This reflects God's nature as described in Exodus 34:6-7, where He is "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." The forgiveness of God is a recurring theme throughout the Psalms and is foundational to the New Testament understanding of salvation through Jesus Christ, who embodies God's forgiveness through His sacrificial death and resurrection.

rich in loving devotion
The term "loving devotion" is often translated from the Hebrew word "chesed," which encompasses love, mercy, and covenant faithfulness. This phrase underscores the abundance of God's steadfast love, which is not limited or conditional. In the context of the Old Testament, this loving devotion is part of God's covenant relationship with Israel, where He remains faithful despite their unfaithfulness. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where God's love is fully revealed in Christ (Romans 5:8). The richness of God's loving devotion is a source of comfort and assurance for believers, affirming that His love is inexhaustible and ever-present.

to all who call on You
This phrase emphasizes the inclusivity of God's mercy and love. It is not limited to a specific group but is available to all who seek Him. The act of calling on God implies a relationship and dependence on Him, as seen in the practice of prayer throughout the Bible. This is consistent with the biblical teaching that God is near to all who call on Him in truth (Psalm 145:18). In the New Testament, this is expanded to include all people, Jew and Gentile alike, who call on the name of the Lord for salvation (Romans 10:12-13). This universal offer of grace is a testament to God's desire for all to come to repentance and knowledge of the truth.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally 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 Character
God 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 34:6-7
This 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.