Psalms 86:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 86:14
14 O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.
Chapter Context
Psalms 86 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, creation, judgment. 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 86:14
14 O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.
Analysis
O God, the proud are risen against me (אֱלֹהִים זֵדִים קָמוּ־עָלַי, Elohim zedim kamu-alai)—Zedim means proud, arrogant, insolent ones; kamu means they have risen up. And the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul (וַעֲדַת עָרִיצִים בִּקְשׁוּ נַפְשִׁי, va-adat aritzim bikshu nafshi)—Adat means assembly, group, company; aritzim means violent, ruthless, terrifying ones. And have not set thee before them (וְלֹא שָׂמוּךָ לְנֶגְדָּם, ve-lo samukha le-negdam)—They haven't placed God before their eyes; they act as if God doesn't exist or matter.
After praising God's mercy (vv. 12-13), David returns to describing his enemies. The problem isn't just their violence but their godlessness—they have not set thee before them. This is practical atheism: living as if God won't judge. Psalm 10:4, 14:1, and 36:1 describe similar attitudes. Their very godlessness emboldens their violence.
Historical Context
Throughout David's life, enemies conspired—Saul and his court, Absalom and his followers, surrounding nations. Many operated without fear of God. The "assemblies" suggests organized opposition, not random attacks. This pattern continues wherever the church faces organized persecution.
Reflection
- How do you respond when opponents act as if God doesn't exist or won't hold them accountable?
- What does it mean to "set God before you" in practical, daily terms?
- How does recognizing your enemies' godlessness help you pray for them rather than merely condemn them?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Psalms 54:3