Psalms 86

Jehovah

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Psalms 86:5

The Lord who is 'ready to forgive' and 'plenteous in mercy' is Jehovah, the premortal Christ. Forgiveness is His work, made possible by His Atonement.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)

• alludes to Exodus 34:6-7 — Jehovah declares Himself merciful, gracious, and forgiving.

Millennial Reign

All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. Psalms 86:9–10

David foretells a day when every nation will worship the Lord. In Revelation the saints sing these words to the Lamb, and Paul teaches that every knee will bow to Jesus Christ.

• quoted by Revelation 15:3-4 — The song of Moses and of the Lamb: 'all nations shall come and worship before thee.'
• alluded to by Philippians 2:10-11 — Every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Redeemer

For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. Psalms 86:13

Only the Lord can deliver a soul from hell. The Book of Mormon teaches that Jesus Christ prepared the way to deliver us from the awful monster of death and hell.

• alluded to by 2 Nephi 9:10-12 — God prepares a way to escape death and hell through the Holy One of Israel.

Grace

But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. Psalms 86:15

This repeats Jehovah's description of Himself to Moses: compassionate, gracious, patient, full of mercy and truth. John describes Jesus the same way, 'full of grace and truth.'

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)

• quotes Exodus 34:6 — Jehovah's self-description to Moses.
• alluded to by John 1:14 — The Word made flesh, full of grace and truth.