Meaning of Psalms 86:15

Psalms 86:15 is a profound declaration of the character of God, articulating His essential nature as revealed to humanity. The verse is not merely a poetic description but a theological assertion that underpins the relationship between God and His people. It emphasizes God's inherent disposition towards mercy and kindness, even in the face of human sin and failure. The attributes listed—compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness—paint a picture of a God who is not capricious or vengeful, but consistently predisposed to forgiveness and steadfast commitment. This understanding is crucial for comprehending God's actions throughout biblical history and His ongoing interaction with believers.

Context and Background

Psalms 86 is a prayer attributed to David, a king who experienced both great triumphs and significant failures. The psalm is a plea for divine help and protection in times of distress and opposition. In the midst of his personal struggles and the perceived threats from his enemies, David turns to the fundamental truths he knows about God. This verse, therefore, emerges from a place of genuine need and a deep reliance on God's inherent nature. It serves as a reminder, both to David and to the reader, of the bedrock principles of God's character, which remain constant regardless of human circumstances.

Key Themes and Messages

The verse highlights several core attributes of God:

• Compassionate (rachum): This Hebrew word signifies a deep, visceral empathy, often associated with the tender love of a mother for her child. It implies a profound understanding and sharing of suffering.
• Gracious (channun): This term refers to unmerited favor and kindness. It speaks of God's willingness to bestow blessings and pardon sins without any prior deserving on the part of the recipient.
• Slow to anger (erech apayim): This idiom emphasizes patience and restraint. God is not quick to unleash His wrath; instead, He is remarkably forbearing, allowing ample opportunity for repentance and reconciliation.
• Abounding in love/steadfast love (checed): This is a cornerstone of biblical theology, referring to covenantal loyalty, enduring affection, and unwavering commitment. It is a love that binds God to His promises and His people.
• Faithfulness (emet): This signifies truthfulness, reliability, and constancy. It assures believers that God's character and His promises are dependable and will not fail.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance of Psalms 86:15 is immense. It provides a secure foundation for faith and prayer. Knowing that God is fundamentally compassionate and gracious encourages believers to approach Him with confidence, even when they have sinned or are facing difficulties. His slowness to anger offers hope for redemption and transformation, assuring us that His judgment is tempered by mercy. The abundance of His steadfast love and faithfulness means that His commitment to His people is unwavering, providing a deep sense of security and belonging. This understanding empowers believers to live lives of faith, knowing they are loved and supported by a God who is inherently good and reliable.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a recurring theme throughout Scripture and is foundational to understanding God's covenantal relationship with humanity. It is echoed in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:6-7), where God reveals Himself to Moses as "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." This self-disclosure is central to God's interactions with Israel, from their deliverance from Egypt to their eventual exile and restoration. The New Testament further elaborates on these attributes, particularly through the person of Jesus Christ, who is presented as the ultimate embodiment of God's compassion, grace, love, and faithfulness, offering Himself as the sacrifice for sins.

Analogies

To understand these divine attributes, consider these analogies:

• Compassion: Imagine a parent who, upon seeing their child injured, feels the pain as if it were their own and rushes to comfort and heal them. This is a faint echo of God's deep empathy for His creation.
• Graciousness: Think of a king who pardons a traitor who has no right to mercy, simply out of his own benevolent will. This illustrates God's unmerited favor extended to sinners.
• Slow to Anger: A wise and patient teacher who, when a student makes a mistake, takes the time to explain the correct way rather than immediately punishing them. This reflects God's long-suffering nature.
• Abounding in Love and Faithfulness: A loyal spouse who, despite marital difficulties, remains committed and devoted, upholding their vows through thick and thin. This represents the enduring nature of God's covenantal love.

Relation to Other Verses

Psalms 86:15 finds resonance in numerous other biblical passages:

• Exodus 34:6-7: As mentioned, this is a direct parallel where God defines Himself.
• Nehemiah 9:17: This verse reiterates the same divine attributes in a prayer of confession and remembrance.
• Joel 2:13: The prophet Joel calls for repentance, urging people to "return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love."
• Ephesians 2:4-5: The Apostle Paul writes, "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved."
• 1 Peter 1:3: This verse speaks of God's "great mercy" that has "given us a new birth."

These verses collectively underscore the consistent and foundational revelation of God's character as one of profound mercy, grace, patience, and unwavering commitment.