Translations
Modern
Turn to me and have mercy; grant Your strength to Your servant; save the son of Your maidservant.
Traditional
O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.
Literal
Turn to me and show favor to me; give Your strength to Your servant, and give salvation to the son of Your maidservant.
Latin
Respice in me, et miserere mei; da imperium tuum puero tuo, et salvum fac filium ancillæ tuæ.
Original
Hebrew
English
Turn to me and have mercy; grant Your strength to Your servant; save the son of Your maidservant.
Notes
Arrogant people exist both inside and outside the community. The psalmist asks God to show his character. God is so great that even a small glimpse of his goodness will silence the wicked.
The psalmist cries out to God for help and praises God’s character while facing evil (Psalm 86:14, 17). He says that all nations will one day worship the gracious and powerful God (Psalm 86:8–10). Because of this hope, the psalmist commits himself to live in a right and honest way (Psalm 86:11) and to praise the Lord (86:12–13).
The final section contrasts the behavior of evil people with the character of the Lord (Psalm 86:14–17).
Theme notes and profiles