Ps. 86:0 When he was in some deep distress, either from Saul, or by Absalom, or upon some other occasion. David strengtheneth himself in prayer by the truth of his religion, Ps. 86:1–4, and by God’s goodness and his readiness to hear, Ps. 86:5–10; desireth the continuance of his grace, Ps.

Forsaken and persecuted by men, and utterly unable to save myself, and therefore a very proper object for thy power and goodness to work upon.

I am holy; sanctified in some measure by thy grace, and sincerely devoted to thy service. This David speaks, not in a way of vain ostentation, but partly as a powerful argument to move God to hear his prayers, because he was one of that sort of men to whom God had engaged himself by his promise and…

The expression notes fervent desire joined with hope or expectation, as appears by comparing Deut. 24:15, Jer. 22:27.

Herewith he relieveth himself under the sense of his guilt, whereby he had brought his present calamities upon himself. Them that call upon thee, to wit, in truth, as it is explained Ps. 145:18, or with an upright heart; for if a man regard iniquity in his heart, God will not hear him, Ps. 66:18.

He repeats and multiplies his requests, both to ease his own troubled mind, and to prevail with God, who is well-pleased with his people’s importunity in prayer. See Luke 18:1;c.

Whereof I have assurance both from the benignity of thy nature, and from the truth and certainty of thy promises, and from my own and others’ experiences in former times.

There is none like unto thee, either for power or readiness to hear and answer prayers. I am not now calling upon a deaf and impotent idol, for then I might cry my heart out, and all in vain, as they did, 1 Kings 18:26;c, but upon the Almighty and most gracious God.

So true is that which I have now said of thee, Ps. 86:8, that the time is coming when all the nations of the earth shall acknowledge it, and, forsaking their impotent idol, shall worship thee alone; which being a work of thy power and grace, clearly proves that no God is like to thee and no works…

Doest wondrous things: this is added as a reason either why the nations should own the true God, because they should see his wonderful works; or why that great work, Ps. 86:9, was not incredible, but should certainly be accomplished.

Thy way; wherein thou wouldst have me to walk. As thou hast taught me by thy word, so also by thy Spirit enlighten my mind, that I may clearly discern thy will and my duty in all conditions and circumstances.

Either, 1. If thou grantest my request, Ps. 86:11; or, 2. Because thou hast done what is expressed Ps. 86:13.

My soul; my person or life, as in the next verse. From the lowest hell; either, 1. From hell properly so called. Or rather, 2. From extreme and desperate dangers and miseries, by comparing this with Deut. 32:22, and with Ps. 88:6.

They have no reverence nor regard for thee, neither for thy word, which hath conferred the kingdom upon me; nor for thine all-seeing eye, which beholds all their wicked devices and practices against me; nor for thy justice, which will undoubtedly bring their mischief upon their own heads.

To wit, to thy people, and to me in particular; and therefore thou wilt forget and forgive my manifold sins, for which thou mightest justly reject me, and make me to know thy breach of promise; and therefore thou wilt save me from my cruel enemies.

Give thy strength, to assist, support, and save me. Me, who by thy gracious providence was born not of heathen, but of Israelitish parents, and therefore was in covenant with thee from my birth, and whose mother was thy faithful servant, and did entirely devote me to thy service.

Vouchsafe unto me some evident and eminent token of lay good will to me, for the conviction of mine enemies, and mine own comfort.