Psalms 86:14-16

86:14 O God, arrogant men attack me;

a gang of ruthless men, who do not respect you, seek my life.

86:15 But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and merciful God.

You are patient and demonstrate great loyal love and faithfulness.

86:16 Turn toward me and have mercy on me!

Give your servant your strength!

Deliver your slave!


tn Heb “rise up against me.”

tn Or “assembly.”

tn Heb “seek my life and do not set you before them.” See Ps 54:3.

tn Heb “slow to anger.”

tn Heb “and great of loyal love and faithfulness.”

tn Heb “the son of your female servant.” The phrase “son of a female servant” (see also Ps 116:16) is used of a son born to a secondary wife or concubine (Exod 23:12). In some cases the child’s father is the master of the house (see Gen 21:10, 13; Judg 9:18). The use of the expression here certainly does not imply that the Lord has such a secondary wife or concubine! It is used metaphorically and idiomatically to emphasize the psalmist’s humility before the Lord and his status as the Lord’s servant.