Reflections of God's Character in Secular Examples and Psalm 86:15
Psalm 86:15, from the NRSV translation, reads, "But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" [1]. This verse is part of a larger psalm that invokes God's help and praises His character in the face of evil (Psalm 86:14, 17) [2].
The description of God in Psalm 86:15 is not unique to this passage. It echoes Exodus 34:6, where God reveals His character to Moses, describing Himself as "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" [1, 4]. This characterization is repeated throughout the Old Testament, appearing in Numbers 14:18, Nehemiah 9:17, Psalms 103:8, and Joel 2:13, among other places [1].
The attributes ascribed to God in Psalm 86:15 are significant. The terms "merciful" and "gracious" highlight God's disposition towards His people, emphasizing His willingness to forgive and show compassion. "Slow to anger" indicates God's patience and reluctance to punish. "Abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" underscores God's commitment to His covenant promises and His enduring love for His people [4].
The psalmist's appeal to God's character in Psalm 86:5-7 is based on this established understanding of God's nature. By invoking God's mercy, graciousness, and faithfulness, the psalmist seeks to persuade God to act on his behalf, demonstrating a deep understanding of God's character as the foundation for his hope [3].
The reflection of God's character is not limited to the biblical context. While Psalm 86:15 specifically references God's attributes as revealed in the biblical tradition, the concept of a merciful and gracious deity is a theme that can be observed in various forms across different cultures and religious traditions. However, the specific characterization of God in Psalm 86:15 is rooted in the biblical narrative and is a cornerstone of Jewish and Christian theology.
The psalmist's emphasis on God's character serves as a contrast to the actions of the "arrogant" and "wicked" mentioned in Psalm 86:14. The psalmist requests a manifestation of God's character to counter the influence of these adversaries, suggesting that a revelation of God's true nature would be sufficient to silence them [5].
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Psalms 86:15 cross-references: Exodus 31:6, Exodus 34:6, Numbers 14:18, 1 Chronicles 21:13, Nehemiah 9:17, Psalms 85:10, Psalms 86:5, Psalms 98:3, Psalms 103:8, Psalms 111:4, Psalms 130:4, Psalms 130:7, Psalms 145:8, Joel 2:13, Jonah 4:2, Micah 7:18, John 1:17, Romans 5:20, Romans 15:8, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:4”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 86:1: Ps 86 The psalmist invokes God’s help and praises his character in a lament prompted by the presence of evil (86:14, 17). All people will worship the gracious and almighty God (86:8-10). To this end, the poet commits himself to a lifestyle of ethical integrity (86:11) and praising the Lord (86:12-13). The last stanza contrasts the qualities of evil people with those of the Lord (86:14-17). 86:title This is the only psalm connected with David in Book Three. 86:1-4 God’s devoted servant prays for mercy. The psalmist sees himself as a member of the covenant community”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 86:5: 86:5-7 The psalmist appeals to God to remain true to his character, which is the basis for hope. 86:5 The psalmist recounts the catalog of divine perfections (Exod 34:6-7), especially God’s willingness to forgive sin (see Pss 32:5; 85:2; 145:7-10).”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 86:15: 86:15 God has mercy on his people (51:1); he is gracious (25:6), slow to get angry (103:8; 145:8), and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness (Hebrew khesed and ’emeth; 143:1). This verse repeats a theme first expressed in Exod 34:7; Num 14:18 (cp. Pss 103:8; 145:8; Neh 9:17; Joel 2:13; Jon 4:2).”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 86:14: 86:14-17 The arrogant exist both inside and outside the community. The psalmist asks for a vision of God’s character; God is so great that just a glimpse of his goodness will shut the mouths of the wicked.”