Tehilim Perek 86

Welcome to NachDaily, covering the entire TANACH one perek at a time. I’m Rabbi Shaya Sussman, and today we’ll be discussing Tehilim, Chapter 86.

Dovid said this chapter while he fleeing from King Shaul. The Meforshim also explain that it was also written about the galus.

There are many famous pessukim in this chapter.

Dovid begins by calling himself “ani v’evyon, poor and destitute.” At this time he had no possessions other than what was secretly given to him with the help of others.

Dovid prays for God to protect his soul, draw him close, and make him happy. He asks God to accept his prayer. This is interesting because it teaches us that it’s not enough just to daven, but you actually need to pray that your words should be accepted on high and find favor in God’s eyes.

Verse 5 is the famous passuk, “ki Ata Hashem tov v’salach v’rav chessed l’kol korecha, For You O God are good, and ready to pardon. And You are abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.

Dovid didn’t say this at the end of His life, when he was sitting in his palace and the whole world knew who he was. He said this when King Shaul was trying to kill him and he didn’t know if he would make out it alive!

Nevertheless, even in these circumstances Dovid expresses deep gratitude for Hashem’s infinite compassion and power of forgiveness.

In verse 8 we find the famous passuk of “Ain kamocha b’elohim Hashem, v’ain kimasecha. There’s none like You among the heavenly forces, oh God, there are no deeds like Yours.

The chapter continues to relate God’s greatness. Dovid calls out to Him in his day of trouble.

“Teach me Your way, so I can walk in truth.”

He shares his gratitude and positive feelings to Hashem for all that He’s done for him throughout his life.

Verse 15 gives us another well-known passuk. “V’ata Hashem, kel rachum v’chanun, erech apayim v’rav chessed v’emes– but you, God, are the merciful and kind God, slow to anger with tremendous resources of love and truth.

Dovid closes the chapter by asking Hashem for a sign that his tefilah was answered.

On this, the Gemara in Shabbos 30A explains that Dovid asked Hashem to be forgiven for his sin with Bas Sheva. Hashem immediately forgave him. Dovid persisted, asking Hashem to show him a sign during his lifetime so that he can be certain that he was forgiven. Hashem, however, told Dovid that the sign will not occur during his life time.

At the grand opening of the Beis Hamikdash, the doors of the Kodesh Kodoshim clamped shut in front of Shlomo. Shlomo invoked his father’s name, and the doors opened instantly. At that moment, the faces of Dovid’s enemies turned white in embarrassment. It was obvious to all that Dovid had been forgiven.

May we merit believing in Hashem’s infinite kindness and capacity to forgive us for even the worst things that we’ve done in our lives.

Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.