Psalms 86:17

“Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, Lord, hast holpen me, and comforted me.”

Context:Psalm 86 is a prayer of David, where he expresses his devotion to God and seeks His mercy and help in times of trouble. In this particular verse, David requests a sign or evidence of God’s favour, with the intention that his enemies would witness it and be filled with shame.

Seeking a token for good:David starts by asking God to show him a token for good. This indicates that David is looking for a visible manifestation of God’s blessings and assistance in his life. He desires tangible evidence of God’s faithfulness and goodness, something that would serve as a testimony to others.

Desire for his enemies’ shame:David’s motivation for requesting this token for good is to bring shame upon his enemies. By witnessing God’s favour and assistance towards David, he hopes that those who hate him will realise their error and feel ashamed. David acknowledges that God’s intervention in his life will serve as a powerful witness to the faithfulness and power of God.

Recognition of God’s help and comfort:In the latter part of the verse, David acknowledges that it is the Lord who has helped and comforted him. He attributes his past experiences of aid and solace to God’s divine intervention. This recognition reinforces David’s confidence in God’s ability to continue supporting and comforting him in the future.

Key takeaways:

• David’s request for a token for good reveals his desire for a visible demonstration of God’s blessings and intervention in his life.
• The motivation behind this request is to bring shame upon his enemies, as they witness God’s favour towards him.
• David recognises that it is God who has helped and comforted him in the past, which strengthens his faith in God’s continuous provision and support.

This verse highlights David’s trust in God and his reliance on Him in the face of opposition. It also serves as a reminder for believers today to seek God’s intervention and to trust in His faithfulness, even when faced with adversity.