But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness. But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,David appeals to the character God revealed to Moses after Israel’s sin with the golden calf (Exodus 34:6). The Lord’s compassion meets His people in their weakness and distress, while His grace provides help and forgiveness they have not earned. Israel’s history repeatedly displayed God’s willingness to preserve, restore, and shepherd His covenant people despite their failures. Exo 34:6 Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out:… slow to anger, God’s patience does not overlook sin or deny coming judgment, but mercifully grants time for repentance. Though David’s enemies and his own troubles pressed heavily upon him, he trusted that the Lord was not impulsive or cruel. God’s restraint calls sinners to turn from rebellion and seek His mercy. Num 14:18 The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion… abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness. God’s covenant love is abundant, constant, and active toward those who call upon Him. His faithfulness guarantees that His promises do not fail, even when human beings prove unreliable. These divine qualities find their fullest revelation in Jesus Christ, who came full of grace and truth and secured forgiveness and restoration for His people. Psa 89:14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of Psalm 86, David is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God, his role as the second king of Israel, and his authorship of many psalms. 2. God (Yahweh) The central focus of this verse, God is described with attributes that highlight His character and nature, emphasizing His compassion, grace, patience, love, and truth. 3. Israel While not directly mentioned in this verse, the nation of Israel is the broader context in which David writes, often experiencing God's attributes firsthand through their history. Teaching Points Understanding God's CharacterRecognize that God's nature is inherently compassionate and gracious. This understanding should shape our view of Him and our relationship with Him. Patience in Our Lives Just as God is slow to anger, we are called to emulate His patience in our interactions with others, reflecting His character in our daily lives. Abounding Love and Truth God's love and truth are abundant and unwavering. We should strive to live in a way that reflects His love and truth to those around us. Grace in Action God's grace is a model for how we should extend grace to others, forgiving and showing kindness even when it is undeserved. Trust in God's Faithfulness Knowing that God is abounding in truth, we can trust in His promises and faithfulness, even when circumstances are challenging. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's compassionate and gracious nature affect your personal relationship with Him?2. In what ways can you practice being "slow to anger" in your daily interactions, reflecting God's patience? 3. How can you demonstrate God's "abounding love and truth" in your community or workplace? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's grace. How can that experience inspire you to extend grace to others? 5. How do the attributes of God described in Psalm 86:15 provide comfort and assurance in times of difficulty or uncertainty? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 34:6-7This passage describes God revealing His character to Moses, using similar language to Psalm 86:15, emphasizing God's compassion, grace, patience, love, and truth. Nehemiah 9:17 This verse recounts Israel's history and God's enduring patience and mercy, echoing the attributes listed in Psalm 86:15. Jonah 4:2 Jonah acknowledges God's gracious and compassionate nature, slow to anger and abounding in love, paralleling the description in Psalm 86:15. Ephesians 2:4-5 Paul speaks of God's rich mercy and great love, which aligns with the attributes of God described in Psalm 86:15.
People David, Korah, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Abounding, Abundant, Anger, Angry, Compassion, Compassionate, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, Full, Goodness, Gracious, Kindness, Longsuffering, Long-suffering, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Merciful, Mercy, O, Pity, Plenteous, Slow, Steadfast, Truth, WisdomDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 86:15 1030 God, compassion 6688 mercy, demonstration of God's Library A Sheaf of Prayer Arrows'Bow down Thine ear, O Lord, hear me; for I am poor and needy. 2. Preserve my soul, for I am holy: O Thou my God, save Thy servant that trusteth in Thee. 3. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto Thee daily. 4. Rejoice the soul of Thy servant: for unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5. For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee.'--PSALM lxxxvi. 1-5. We have here a sheaf of arrows out of a good man's quiver, shot into heaven. … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture My Savior Whose Infinite Grace That it is Profitable to Communicate Often The Truth of God Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy The Mercy of God The Third Commandment Psalms Links Psalm 86:15 NIVPsalm 86:15 NLT Psalm 86:15 ESV Psalm 86:15 NASB Psalm 86:15 KJV Psalm 86:15 Commentaries Bible Hub |



