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.
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Remembering God's Past Deliverance

1
To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. ​
2
Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah. ​
3
Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger.

A Plea for Present Restoration

4
Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease. ​
5
Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?
6
Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? ​
7
Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.

The Assurance of God's Peace

8
I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. ​
9
Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. ​
10
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. ​
11
Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12
Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. ​
13
Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps. ​

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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