Psalms 86 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
86:1–2
1-2. poor and needy--a suffering child of God, as in Psa 10:12, 17; 18:27. I am holy--or, "godly," as in Psa 4:3; 85:8.
86:4
4. lift up my soul--with strong desire (Psa 25:1).
86:5–7
5-7. unto all ... that call upon thee--or, "worship Thee" (Psa 50:15; 91:15) however undeserving (Ex 34:6; Le 11:9-13).
86:8
8. neither ... works--literally, "nothing like thy works," the "gods" have none at all.
86:9–10
9-10. The pious Jews believed that God's common relation to all would be ultimately acknowledged by all men (Psa 45:12-16; 47:9).
86:11
11. Teach--Show, point out. the way--of Providence. walk in thy truth--according to its declarations. unite my heart--fix all my affections (Psa 12:2; Jas 4:8). to fear thy name--(compare Psa 86:12) to honor Thy perfections.
86:13–14
13-14. The reason: God had delivered him from death and the power of insolent, violent, and godless persecutors (Psa 54:3; Eze 8:12).
86:15
15. Contrasts God with his enemies (compare Psa 86:5).
86:16
16. son ... handmaid--homeborn servant (compare Lu 15:17).
86:17
17. Show me--literally, "Make with me a token," by Thy providential care. Thus in and by his prosperity his enemies would be confounded.