Psalms 86:15 - Verse Meaning and Interpretation

Psalms 86:15 states: "But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in mercy and truth." This verse presents a beautiful description of God's character and attributes. Below, we will explore various interpretations and insights gathered from public domain commentaries, including those by Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke. This exploration provides thematic Bible verse connections and offers a deeper understanding of God's nature.

Key Themes in Psalms 86:15

• God's Compassion: The verse emphasizes God's compassion towards humanity. Matthew Henry highlights that it is through God's compassion that He cares for us even amidst our weaknesses.
• Grace and Favor: The gracious attribute of God signifies His unmerited favor and kindness toward His creation, as explained by Albert Barnes.
• Patience: The phrase "slow to anger" indicates God's incredible patience. Adam Clarke notes that God bears with the sinful and disobedient, allowing them time to repent.
• Mercy and Truth: God's mercy is unmatched, and His truth is unwavering. This duality underscores the balance of justice and grace in God's dealings with humankind.

Related Bible Cross References

Understanding Psalms 86:15 becomes richer when we examine related scriptures that highlight God's nature. Here are several significant cross-references:

• Exodus 34:6-7: "The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, 'The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth...'
• Psalm 103:8-14: "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever."
• James 5:11: "Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful."
• Romans 2:4: "Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?"
• Lamentations 3:22-23: "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
• 2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."
• Micah 7:18: "Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy."

Thematic Connections within the Bible

The examination of Psalms 86:15 reveals profound connections between various scriptures throughout the Bible. Here are some thematic Bible verse connections:

• God's compassion is a recurring theme, echoed in both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing His desire for grace and reconciliation.
• In the New Testament, Jesus embodies these attributes, demonstrating compassion towards the marginalized and offering forgiveness (Luke 7:36-50).
• Connecting Psalms 86:15 with Paul's epistles reveals a consistent message of grace and mercy, particularly in Romans 5:8, where God shows His love through Christ's sacrifice.
• Linking the prophetic literature, such as Isaiah 30:18, illustrates God's yearning for His people to return to Him, showcasing His lovingkindness.
• Exploring contrasts, the character of God as depicted in Psalms against that of human frailty illustrates the divine standard and the call to emulate His qualities.
• Bible references related to themes of patience can guide believers on how to exhibit similar qualities in their own lives.

Conclusion

Psalms 86:15 offers profound insights into the nature of God, painting a picture of His omnibenevolence. By cross-referencing this verse with others throughout scripture, we uncover the intricate web of connections that highlight God’s consistent character of mercy, grace, and love. This comparative Bible verse analysis provides not only a deeper theological understanding but also practical guidance for living a life that reflects God's attributes.