Book of Psalms - Chapter 86 - Verse 17

These words express a deep desire for God to show a sign of His favor and goodness towards the speaker. The speaker asks for a visible display of God's blessing so that those who are enemies of the speaker may see it and be ashamed. The speaker acknowledges that it is the Lord who has helped and comforted them in times of trouble. This verse highlights the confidence and trust the speaker has in God's ability to protect and provide for them. It also serves as a reminder that God's favor is a powerful force that can turn the hearts of the enemies of the speaker. By displaying a token of good, God can silence the opposition and bring about admiration from those who once sought to harm the speaker. It is a prayer for divine intervention and a declaration of faith in God's ability to deliver His people from their enemies.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse, "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," we can see a plea for God to demonstrate His goodness in a visible way. The psalmist is asking for a sign of divine favor that will not only benefit him but also cause his enemies to feel ashamed for their hostility. The word "holpen" in this context means to help or assist, emphasizing the psalmist's reliance on the Lord for deliverance. Additionally, the mention of being comforted highlights the psalmist's trust in God's ability to bring solace and strength in times of trouble. Overall, this verse reflects the psalmist's faith in God's intervention and his belief that divine assistance will ultimately triumph over adversity.