God’s faithful comfort succumbs all fears and silences scornful voices through the assurance of His loving presence.
David, the likely author of Psalm 86 around 1000 BC, appeals to the LORD in an intensely personal plea when he prays, “Show me a sign for good, that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed” (v.17). He longs for a visible demonstration of God’s favor, so evident that his enemies can no longer question the source of his strength. In this heartfelt cry, David underscores his awareness that God alone can silence opposition through a tangible manifestation of divine support and blessing.
The psalmist continues by acknowledging the foundation of his hope: “because You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me” (v.17). Each phrase reflects David’s deep conviction that the LORD consistently extends mercy and consolation to His faithful, as demonstrated elsewhere in this psalm (Psalm 86:15). Scripture testifies repeatedly that God is compassionate and slow to anger, a theme shared by prophets such as Jonah: “I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness” (Jonah 4:2). David’s request for a “sign for good” rests in this same assurance of unwavering divine kindness.
Ultimately, this verse reveals how David’s leadership and life circumstances were marked by difficulties and opposition. Despite the pressures he faced, he turned to the LORD with confidence, certain that God’s goodness overrides the scorn of his adversaries. David had learned through experience that God’s help was both a shield before his enemies and a comfort in his afflictions, and he entrusted his protection to that unchanging grace.
Set to dark mode
Psalms 86:17 meaning
David, the likely author of Psalm 86 around 1000 BC, appeals to the LORD in an intensely personal plea when he prays, “Show me a sign for good, that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed” (v.17). He longs for a visible demonstration of God’s favor, so evident that his enemies can no longer question the source of his strength. In this heartfelt cry, David underscores his awareness that God alone can silence opposition through a tangible manifestation of divine support and blessing.
The psalmist continues by acknowledging the foundation of his hope: “because You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me” (v.17). Each phrase reflects David’s deep conviction that the LORD consistently extends mercy and consolation to His faithful, as demonstrated elsewhere in this psalm (Psalm 86:15). Scripture testifies repeatedly that God is compassionate and slow to anger, a theme shared by prophets such as Jonah: “I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness” (Jonah 4:2). David’s request for a “sign for good” rests in this same assurance of unwavering divine kindness.
Ultimately, this verse reveals how David’s leadership and life circumstances were marked by difficulties and opposition. Despite the pressures he faced, he turned to the LORD with confidence, certain that God’s goodness overrides the scorn of his adversaries. David had learned through experience that God’s help was both a shield before his enemies and a comfort in his afflictions, and he entrusted his protection to that unchanging grace.