Psalms 86:15

15 But thou, O Lord, art a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

Psalms 86:15 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 86:15

But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion
Or merciful ^F20, in the most affectionate and tender manner, as a parent to its child, or particularly as a mother to the son of her womb; and is rich and plenteous in his mercy, and freely bestows it; and this was the support of the psalmist under his troubles from his enemies, that though they were cruel the Lord was merciful:

and gracious;
so he has been in eternity, as appears by his election of grace, by the covenant of his grace, and the provisions of it in his Son; and so he is in time, as is manifest from his kindness in Christ Jesus, from his justification, pardon, adoption, effectual calling and salvation of his people, which are all of grace;

longsuffering;
not only to wicked men, but to his chosen ones; which longsuffering of his is salvation to them; he bears with them, and waits to be gracious to them, to bring them to repentance, and save them, ( 2 Peter 3:9 2 Peter 3:15 ) ,

plenteous in mercy; or goodness; (See Gill on Psalms 86:5), and truth: in fulfilling promises; see ( Exodus 34:6 ) , to which these words refer.

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FOOTNOTES:

F20 (Mwxr) "misericors", Pagninus, Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator

Psalms 86:15 In-Context

13 For great is thy steadfast love toward me; thou hast delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

14 O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seek my life, and they do not set thee before them.

15 But thou, O Lord, art a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

16 Turn to me and take pity on me; give thy strength to thy servant, and save the son of thy handmaid.

17 Show me a sign of thy favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because thou, LORD, hast helped me and comforted me.