Psalms 86:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 86:7
7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
Chapter Context
Psalms 86 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, redemption, faith. 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 86:7
7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
Analysis
In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. David declares confident intention to pray during distress—the day of my trouble (beyom tsarati, בְּיוֹם צָרָתִי) denotes specific crisis moment requiring divine intervention. The verb qara (קָרָא, call/cry out) indicates urgent, vocal petition, not quiet meditation.
The causal clause for thou wilt answer me (ki ta'aneni, כִּי תַעֲנֵנִי) expresses unshakable confidence grounded in God's covenant faithfulness and past deliverance. David's certainty doesn't rest on favorable circumstances but on God's character revealed in Scripture and personal experience. This confident expectation distinguishes biblical prayer from generic spirituality—we call upon One who has bound Himself to respond.
This verse anticipates the New Testament teaching on prayer in Jesus's name. The confidence David expresses finds fuller foundation in Christ's finished work and explicit promise: "Ask, and it will be given to you" (Matthew 7:7). The Christian prays with even greater assurance, approaching God through the mediator who guarantees access and answer.
Historical Context
David's confidence reflected covenant theology—God had bound Himself by oath to preserve David's dynasty (2 Samuel 7:8-16) and to hear His people's prayers offered at the temple (1 Kings 8:28-30). This covenantal assurance sustained Israel through exile and persecution. The early church inherited this confidence, recognizing Christ as fulfillment of God's covenant promises and ultimate basis for answered prayer (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Reflection
- What evidence from Scripture and experience grounds your confidence that God will answer your prayers?
- How should Christians pray when the specific 'answer' they seek doesn't come as expected?
- How does Christ as mediator strengthen your confidence beyond even David's covenant assurance?