Psalms 86:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 86:5
5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Chapter Context
Psalms 86 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, worship, love. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 86:5
5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Analysis
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. This verse grounds David's petitions in God's character, using three divine attributes that justify bold prayer. Good (tov, טוֹב) encompasses moral perfection, benevolence, and beneficial nature—God's essential character inclines toward His creatures' welfare.
Ready to forgive translates salach (סַלָּח), a verb used exclusively of divine forgiveness in the Old Testament. The phrase literally means "forgiving" or "pardoning," emphasizing God's eagerness to pardon rather than reluctance requiring persuasion. This anticipates the New Testament revelation of God's initiative in forgiveness through Christ's atoning work.
Plenteous in mercy (rav-chesed, רַב־חֶסֶד, abundant in steadfast love) describes overflowing covenant loyalty extending to all them that call upon thee. The universality of this offer—anyone who calls receives mercy—finds fulfillment in the gospel's proclamation that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Acts 2:21, quoting Joel 2:32).
Historical Context
This verse echoes the foundational self-revelation of God to Moses: "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" (Exodus 34:6). This creedal statement of divine character recurs throughout the Old Testament (Numbers 14:18, Nehemiah 9:17, Psalms 103:8, 145:8, Joel 2:13, Jonah 4:2), functioning as Israel's core theology. David appeals to this revealed character as basis for confident prayer.
Reflection
- How does meditating on God's goodness, forgiveness, and abundant mercy change your prayer approach?
- When have you treated God as reluctant to forgive rather than 'ready to forgive'?
- How can you extend the 'plenteous mercy' you've received to others who call upon you?
Word Studies
- Love: אַהֲבָה / חֶסֶד (Ahavah / Chesed) H2617 - Love / Loyal-love
Cross-References
- Grace: Psalms 86:15, 103:8, 130:7, Exodus 34:6, Nehemiah 9:17, Joel 2:13
- References Lord: Psalms 145:18, Acts 2:21
- Good: Psalms 25:8, 119:68