Psalms 86:16

O turn&c. From Psalms 25:16.

have mercy upon me Render, be gracious unto me, to shew the connexion with the attribute -gracious" in Psalms 86:15.

thy servant … the son of thine handmaid Cp. Psalms 116:16. -The son of thine handmaid" is a synonym for -thy servant," denoting a closer relationship, for servants -born in the house" (Genesis 14:14) were the most trusted dependents. Cp. "of the household of God," Ephesians 2:19. It has been conjectured that the Psalmist, like Samuel, was early dedicated to the service of God; but the words do not necessarily convey this meaning.