Psalms 86:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 86:17
17 Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.
Chapter Context
Psalms 86 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, holiness, hope. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 86:17
17 Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.
Analysis
Shew me a token for good (עֲשֵׂה־עִמִּי אוֹת לְטוֹבָה, aseh-immi ot le-tovah)—Ot means sign, token, evidence; tovah means for good, for favor. That they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed (וְיִרְאוּ שֹׂנְאַי וְיֵבֹשׁוּ, ve-yir'u son'ai ve-yevoshu)—Bosh means be ashamed, embarrassed, put to shame. Because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me (כִּי־אַתָּה יְהוָה עֲזַרְתַּנִי וְנִחַמְתָּנִי, ki-attah YHWH azartani ve-nichamtani)—Azar means help, aid; nacham means comfort, console.
David asks for visible evidence of God's favor so his enemies will see and be ashamed. This isn't vindictiveness but longing for God's name to be vindicated. When God helps his people publicly, it silences mockers and glorifies his name. The psalm ends with confident past tense: "thou hast holpen me and comforted me"—anticipating the answer before it arrives.
Historical Context
Throughout Scripture, God gave visible signs to vindicate his servants: fire from heaven for Elijah (1 Kings 18), Daniel unharmed in the lions' den (Daniel 6), Peter freed from prison (Acts 12). These tokens silenced enemies and strengthened faith.
Reflection
- When have you wished for visible evidence of God's favor to silence critics?
- How does this verse balance legitimate desire for vindication with potential pride or vengeance?
- What does it mean to end a lament prayer with past-tense confidence: "thou hast helped me"?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 40:1, Isaiah 38:22, 1 Corinthians 5:5
- Parallel theme: Psalms 74:9, 109:29, Judges 6:17