Verse 1-2

Psalm 86:1-17. This is a prayer in which the writer, with deep emotion, mingles petitions and praises, now urgent for help, and now elated with hope, in view of former mercies. The occurrence of many terms and phrases peculiar to David‘s Psalms clearly intimates its authorship.

poor and needy — a suffering child of God, as in Psalm 10:12, Psalm 10:17; Psalm 18:27.

I am holy — or, “godly,” as in Psalm 4:3; Psalm 85:8.

Verse 4

lift up my soul — with strong desire (Psalm 25:1).

Verses 5-7

that call upon thee — or, “worship Thee” (Psalm 50:15; Psalm 91:15) however undeserving (Exodus 34:6; Leviticus 11:9-13).

Verse 8

neither … works — literally, “nothing like thy works,” the “gods” have none at all.

Verse 9-10

The pious Jews believed that God‘s common relation to all would be ultimately acknowledged by all men (Psalm 45:12-16; Psalm 47:9).

Verse 11

Teach — Show, point out.

the way — of Providence.

walk in thy truth — according to its declarations.

unite my heart — fix all my affections (Psalm 12:2; James 4:8).

to fear thy name — (compare Psalm 86:12) to honor Thy perfections.

Verse 13-14

The reason: God had delivered him from death and the power of insolent, violent, and godless persecutors (Psalm 54:3; Ezekiel 8:12).

Verse 15

Contrasts God with his enemies (compare Psalm 86:5).

Verse 16

handmaid — homeborn servant (compare Luke 15:17).

Verse 17

Show me — literally, “Make with me a token,” by Thy providential care. Thus in and by his prosperity his enemies would be confounded.