Psalms 86:6 Commentary

Verse: "Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications."

Introduction

Psalms 86:6 is a poignant appeal to God, rooted in the psalmist's deep sense of need and dependence on divine mercy. This verse encapsulates an earnest cry for God's attention and action, reflecting the heartfelt supplications often found throughout the Psalms.

Exegesis and Context

This verse is situated within a larger plea from David, demonstrating both his recognition of God's sovereignty and his own state of desperation. The psalm, attributed to David, often finds him in distress, yet it is characterized by a profound faith in God's ability to deliver.

Matthew Henry emphasizes that the request for God's ear symbolizes an intimate relationship between man and the Divine. To “give ear” implies more than mere listening; it signifies a willingness to engage with the depths of human emotion and need.

Albert Barnes notes that the term "voice of my supplications" indicates not just a surface-level petition but a deeper longing for God’s intervention in specific, heartfelt ways. Barnes connects the psalmist's cries to the universal human condition of seeking favor and relief from suffering.

The Theme of Divine Attention

The notion of God "giving ear" to prayers is a recurrent theme in the Scriptures, reflecting God’s nature as attentive and accessible. It assures the faithful of God’s willingness to listen. Adam Clarke elaborates that this appeal highlights a crucial aspect of prayer; that it is rooted in the acknowledgment of God as both powerful and personal.

• Intimacy: The call for God’s ear denotes a relationship built on trust. The psalmist feels secure enough to seek God’s help because he understands that God desires a connection with His creation.
• Urgency: The desperation in the psalmist’s voice demonstrates urgency. Thus, this verse serves as a reminder that during times of distress, believers can confidently approach God, knowing He hears their cries.
• Faith: The mere act of praying is an act of faith. The psalmist's willingness to bring his needs before God reflects a belief that God is capable of responding.

The Significance of Supplications

Matthew Henry remarks that "supplications" carry a weight of earnestness and submission. Such requests are not trivial; they come from a place of humility, seeking divine mercy and intervention in life’s troubles. When the psalmist calls upon God to "attend," it underscores the expectation that God will not only hear but will act in accordance with His will and lovingkindness.

The Nature of Prayer

Prayer, as illustrated in this verse, is both a practice of devotion and a declaration of dependence. Adam Clarke observes that approaches to God in prayer should always be framed with reverence and sincerity. This verse serves as a model for believers, encouraging them to articulate their needs clearly yet humble themselves under God's sovereignty.

Theological Implications

This plea for divine attention sheds light on several theological truths:

• The Accessibility of God: God is portrayed as accessible to those who seek Him earnestly. This accessibility is foundational to the belief system of the faithful.
• The Role of Faith in Prayer: The verse suggests that understanding God’s nature is pivotal when approaching Him in prayer. The psalmist models a deep trust that God will respond.
• The Importance of Perseverance: By continually calling out to God, there is an implication of perseverance in faith and a commitment to seeking God amid trials.

Practical Applications

For pastors and students of the Bible, Psalms 86:6 offers profound insights into the character of prayer and the nature of God:

• Encouragement in Prayer: This verse encourages believers to be earnest in their prayers, reminding them that God listens and is moved by their supplications.
• Comfort in Times of Trouble: Understanding that God hears and attends to our cries can provide a profound sense of peace during turbulent times.
• A Model for Prayer: The structure of the prayer—invoking God’s attention, expressing need, and trusting in His goodness—serves as a template for communal and personal prayers.

Conclusion

Psalms 86:6 is a striking affirmation of the believer's conviction in God's attentive nature. Both Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke enrich our understanding of this verse by highlighting the dynamics of relationship between God and man, the earnestness required in prayer, and the importance of faith in seeking divine intervention.

For theologians and scholars, this verse stands as a testimony to the power of prayer, inviting deep reflection on the nature of God’s engagement with humanity. In the fervent words of the psalmist, we find not only a call for help but an invitation to commune intimately with the Creator of all, who promises to hear and respond to those who earnestly seek Him.