Psalms 86:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 86:12
12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
Chapter Context
Psalms 86 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, hope, mercy. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-17: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 86:12
12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
Analysis
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart (אוֹדְךָ אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהַי בְּכָל־לְבָבִי, odekha Adonai Elohai be-khol-levavi)—Yadah means praise, give thanks; be-khol-levavi means with all my heart. And I will glorify thy name for evermore (וַאֲכַבְּדָה שִׁמְךָ לְעוֹלָם, va-akhabdah shimkha le-olam)—Kabad means glorify, honor, give weight to; le-olam means forever, eternally.
Psalm 86 is David's prayer in distress (vv. 1-7), moving to confident praise (vv. 8-13), back to petition (vv. 14-16), ending with assurance (v. 17). This verse marks the transition from petition to praise. Despite ongoing trouble, David commits to wholehearted worship forever. The dual divine names (Adonai Elohai) emphasize both lordship and personal relationship.
Historical Context
David faced constant threats throughout his reign—from Saul, Absalom, surrounding nations, and internal conspiracies. This psalm reflects his learning to praise God not after deliverance, but during distress. Early Christians adopted this pattern, singing hymns in prison (Acts 16:25).
Reflection
- What does it look like to praise God "with all your heart" rather than half-heartedly?
- How can you commit to glorifying God's name "forever" even when current circumstances are difficult?
- Why does David transition to praise in the middle of a distress prayer, before resolution?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H136 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References God: Deuteronomy 6:5, Romans 15:6, 1 Corinthians 6:20
- References Lord: Ephesians 5:19