Psalms85

Psalms 85 opens with a remembrance of God's past favor, where He restored Jacob's captivity and forgave their iniquity. The psalmist then earnestly pleads for God to turn from His anger, revive His people, and show mercy. The psalm concludes with an expectation of God speaking peace, where divine attributes like mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace converge, leading to prosperity and guidance.

Remembering God's Past Deliverance

1
For the leader. A psalm of the sons of Korach: ADONAI, you have shown favor to your land; you have restored the fortunes of Ya'akov, ​
2
taken away the guilt of your people, pardoned all their sin, (Selah) ​
3
withdrawn all your wrath, turned from your fierce anger.

A Plea for Present Restoration

4
Restore us, God of our salvation, renounce your displeasure with us. ​
5
Are you to stay angry with us forever? Will your fury last through all generations?
6
Won't you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you? ​
7
Show us your grace, ADONAI; grant us your salvation.

The Assurance of God's Peace

8
I am listening. What will God, ADONAI, say? For he will speak peace to his people, to his holy ones -but only if they don't relapse into folly. ​
9
His salvation is near for those who fear him, so that glory will be in our land. ​
10
Grace and truth have met together; justice and peace have kissed each other. ​
11
Truth springs up from the earth, and justice looks down from heaven.
12
ADONAI will also grant prosperity; our land will yield its harvest. ​
13
Justice will walk before him and make his footsteps a path. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 85

Verse 1

The superscription attributes this psalm to the Sons of Korah. The historical context likely relates to a national restoration, such as the return from Babylonian exile, recognizing God's past favor in bringing the people back to the land.

Verse 2

The language emphasizes God's comprehensive forgiveness (covering/atoning for sin), which was the essential spiritual precondition for the national restoration mentioned in the previous verse.

Verse 4

This marks the pivot from remembering past grace (vv. 1-3) to petitioning for current intervention. The people acknowledge that they are currently facing a situation where they need immediate salvation and renewal.

Verse 6

The request for 'revive' (Hebrew: *hayah*) is a prayer for spiritual and national renewal—to bring the community back to life and restore their relationship with God so they may worship him joyfully again.

Verse 8

The psalmist moves from lament and petition (vv. 4-7) to confident expectation, resolving to wait silently and listen for God's response, which is assuredly 'peace.' The warning against returning to 'folly' emphasizes that continued blessing depends on sustained obedience.

Verse 9

The psalmist affirms that God’s salvation is imminent for those who maintain reverence (*fear him*). The ultimate goal is that the divine presence ('glory') would once again reside fully in the land, symbolizing complete restoration.

Verse 10

This central theological verse beautifully personifies four key divine attributes: Mercy (*Hesed*), Truth (*Emet*), Righteousness (*Tzedeq*), and Peace (*Shalom*). Their harmonious union signifies the complete reconciliation achieved through God's redemptive work.

Verse 12

This promises both spiritual and physical blessings. When the relationship with God is reconciled (vv. 10-11), the covenant promises are fulfilled, and the land responds with material prosperity ('her increase').

Verse 13

Righteousness is personified as leading the way, preparing the path for God's action and ensuring the people are directed toward an obedient life (in the 'way of his steps').

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