Psalms 86:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 86:16
16 O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.
Chapter Context
Psalms 86 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, redemption, grace. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 86:16
16 O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.
Analysis
O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me (פְּנֵה־אֵלַי וְחָנֵּנִי, peneh-elai ve-channeni)—Panah means turn, face toward; chanan means show favor, be gracious, have mercy. Give thy strength unto thy servant (תְּנָה־עֻזְּךָ לְעַבְדֶּךָ, tenah-uzzkha le-avdekha)—Oz means strength, power, might. And save the son of thine handmaid (וְהוֹשִׁיעָה לְבֶן־אֲמָתֶךָ, ve-hoshi'ah le-ven-amatekha)—Yasha means save, deliver; "son of your handmaid" means a homeborn servant, one belonging to the household by birth.
David uses three petitions: turn toward me, give strength, save me. The final phrase "son of thine handmaid" emphasizes belonging—David isn't a stranger asking favors but a household member by birth right. This prefigures Christian adoption language (Romans 8:15-17, Galatians 4:4-7). We approach God not as outsiders but as family.
Historical Context
In ancient households, children born to a master's servants belonged to the household permanently, unlike hired workers or slaves who might be released. David uses this imagery to claim covenant relationship with God—he's not a hired hand but family.
Reflection
- What does it mean to ask God to "turn toward" you when you feel he's looking away?
- How does identifying as "son of your handmaid" (household member by birth) transform your prayer confidence?
- In what area of life do you most need God's strength imparted to you right now?
Word Studies
- Save: יָשַׁע (Yasha) H3467 - To save, deliver, rescue
Cross-References
- Salvation: Psalms 119:94
- Grace: Psalms 25:16, 119:132
- Parallel theme: Psalms 69:16, 84:5, 90:13, 116:16, Ephesians 6:10, Philippians 4:13