Psalms 86:6 - Meaning and Interpretation

Psalms 86:6 states, "Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications." This verse reflects a heartfelt plea from King David, expressing his deep desire for God's attention and mercy in times of distress. Below is a summary of its meaning derived from various public domain commentaries.

Context of Psalms 86

The 86th Psalm is unique as it is a prayer of an afflicted person. David, surrounded by challenges, calls upon God with earnestness and urgency. The verse serves as an introduction to his supplication, revealing the intimate relationship between the psalmist and God.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry's Commentary

According to Matthew Henry, this plea highlights the practice of prayer and the expectation of God's attentiveness to it. He emphasizes that God is never too far away to hear our cries and that sincere prayer is always met with divine responsiveness. David’s request to "give ear" underlines his humility and recognition of God’s sovereignty.

Albert Barnes' Comments

Albert Barnes interprets this verse as a model of effective prayer. He points out that the use of "attend to the voice of my supplications" indicates not just an audible prayer but the deeper expressions of the heart that God understands. Barnes stresses the importance of bringing our petitions directly to God, encouraging believers to feel secure in their communication with Him.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke expands upon the notion of supplications, signifying heartfelt and earnest requests. He notes that David is recognizing his need for divine intervention. This cry for help illustrates the broader understanding of God's generosity in response to human need. Clarke also underlines the necessity of being earnest in prayer, drawing parallels to the sincerity required for effective communication with God.

Cross-References to Psalms 86:6

Understanding Psalms 86:6 can be enriched by exploring various Bible verse cross-references that highlight similar themes of prayer and supplication. Below are some related verses:

• Psalms 34:17: "The righteous cry, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles."
• Psalms 55:16-17: "As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice."
• Lamentations 3:55-56: "I called upon thy name, O LORD, out of the low dungeon. Thou hast heard my voice: hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry."
• 1 John 5:14: "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he hears us."
• James 5:16: "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."
• Matthew 7:7: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."
• Philippians 4:6: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
• Psalms 102:1: "Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee."
• Romans 10:13: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
• Hebrews 4:16: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Thematic Connections

The themes present in Psalms 86:6 can be cross-referenced with numerous scriptures throughout both the Old and New Testaments. These connections highlight the consistent biblical encouragement for believers to reach out to God in prayer during their troubles. The sentiment of reliance on divine aid can be found in the teachings of Jesus as well as across various epistles.

Conclusion

Psalms 86:6 serves as a poignant reminder of the power of prayer and the assurance of God’s attentive presence in our lives. By exploring this verse alongside cross-references, one can gain a deeper appreciation of the overarching biblical message about the importance of sincere communication with God. The insights drawn from noted commentators illustrate the depth of this single verse in guiding believers in their prayer life.

Tools for Further Study

To delve deeper into the connections between Bible verses, consider utilizing various Bible cross-reference tools and resources such as:

• Bible concordance
• Bible cross-reference guide
• Cross-reference Bible study materials
• Bible reference resources
• Comprehensive Bible cross-reference materials

Ultimately, engaging in comparative Bible verse analysis and thematic Bible verse connections will enhance your understanding of Scripture and facilitate a richer prayer experience, echoing the plea of Psalms 86:6 for God’s ear to your supplications.