Psalms 85:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

To the chief Musician {H5329}{H8764)}, A Psalm {H4210} for the sons {H1121} of Korah {H7141}. LORD {H3068}, thou hast been favourable {H7521}{H8804)} unto thy land {H776}: thou hast brought back {H7725}{H8804)} the captivity {H7622}{H8675)}{H7622} of Jacob {H3290}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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,

Berean Standard Bible

You showed favor to Your land, O LORD; You restored Jacob from captivity.

American Standard Version

Jehovah, thou hast been favorable unto thy land; Thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 85:1 opens with a profound declaration of God's steadfast faithfulness and benevolent action towards His people, Israel. Attributed to the Sons of Korah, this verse serves as a foundational remembrance of a significant past act of divine favor and restoration, specifically the return from exile, thereby setting a hopeful yet expectant tone for the psalm's subsequent plea for renewed blessing and spiritual revival in the present.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 85 belongs to Book III of the Psalter (Psalms 73-89), a collection primarily featuring psalms of Asaph and the Sons of Korah, often characterized by communal lament, national crisis, and earnest prayer for divine intervention. This particular psalm transitions from a grateful acknowledgment of God's past deliverance (vv. 1-3) to a fervent plea for present restoration and revival (vv. 4-7), culminating in an expression of hopeful expectation for God's redemptive work (vv. 8-13). Verse 1, therefore, functions as a crucial anchor, recalling God's historical faithfulness to establish a basis for appealing to His character in the face of current distress. The structural shift from "thou hast" (past tense) in the opening verses to "wilt thou not" (future plea) in subsequent verses is central to the psalm's theological argument, demonstrating how past mercies become the ground for future petitions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob" strongly suggests a post-exilic setting, most likely referring to the return of the Jewish people from their seventy-year Babylonian exile, as prophesied by Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return from Exile")). This momentous event, initiated by Cyrus's decree (e.g., [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")), marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history, signifying God's covenant faithfulness despite His people's disobedience. However, the return was not without its significant challenges; the rebuilt temple was modest, Jerusalem's walls remained in ruins for decades, and the community faced internal and external opposition (e.g., [Nehemiah 4](/nehemiah/4 "Nehemiah 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding")). Thus, while the physical return was accomplished, the spiritual and national restoration was still incomplete, prompting a longing for full divine favor and prosperity, which forms the immediate backdrop of this psalm's earnest prayer.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse immediately introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Favor and Acceptance**, emphasizing that God's actions towards His land and people are rooted in His gracious disposition and delight. The very act of bringing them back from captivity demonstrates His unmerited favor, signifying a restored relationship after a period of judgment. Secondly, the theme of **Restoration and Deliverance** is central, portraying God as the active agent who reverses the consequences of sin and judgment, bringing His people back from a state of displacement and desolation. This restoration is not merely physical but also implies a spiritual renewal. Thirdly, the verse underscores **God's Enduring Covenant Faithfulness**. By recalling the return from exile, the psalmist grounds his plea in the unwavering character of God, who keeps His promises even when His people have strayed, demonstrating His commitment to the covenant established with their patriarchs (e.g., [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). This remembrance serves as a powerful reminder that God's past mercies are a guarantee of future hope, echoing the consistent biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan for His people, as seen throughout the books of [Exodus](/exodus/1 "Exodus - Deliverance from Slavery") and [Joshua](/joshua/1 "Joshua - Conquest of the Promised Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Favourable (Hebrew, _rāṣâh'_):** This verb (H7521) carries a rich semantic range, extending beyond mere kindness to denote delight, acceptance, pleasure, and approval. When God is "favourable" unto His land, it implies that He looks upon it with satisfaction and grace, having reconciled with His people after a period of displeasure or judgment. It speaks of a restored relationship where God's countenance is turned towards His people in blessing and good will, signifying a reversal of His wrath and a renewed state of acceptance.
* **Captivity (Hebrew, _shᵉbûwth'_):** While often translated as "captivity" or "exile," this Hebrew term (H7622) can also denote a "return" or "restoration," especially in the phrase "brought back the captivity." This dual meaning suggests not just the state of being exiled but also the act of being returned from that state. In this context, it powerfully refers to the historical event of the Israelites' forced displacement and subsequent miraculous return, emphasizing God's sovereign power to reverse their fortunes and gather them back to their land.
* **Jacob (Hebrew, _Yaʻăqôb'_):** This is a poetic and ancestral name (H3290) for the nation of Israel. By using "Jacob," the psalmist connects the contemporary experience of the post-exilic community directly to their patriarchal roots and the foundational covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It emphasizes the continuity of God's people through generations and His enduring faithfulness to the descendants of the patriarch, regardless of their historical circumstances or the trials they have endured.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.":** This superscription provides crucial information regarding the psalm's liturgical purpose and authorship. "To the chief Musician" (H5329, _nâtsach'_) indicates it was intended for public worship and performance by the temple choirmaster, suggesting its role in communal liturgy. "A Psalm" (H4210, _mizmôwr'_) denotes a song accompanied by instrumental music. "For the sons of Korah" (H1121, _bên_ H7141, _Qôrach'_) attributes its composition or collection to this prominent Levitical family, renowned for their musical and prophetic roles in the temple. This suggests a psalm deeply rooted in the worship life of Israel, reflecting communal experiences and theological reflection.
* **"LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land:":** This clause is a direct address to Yahweh (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_), acknowledging His past benevolent action. The psalmist declares that God has looked upon His "land" (H776, _ʼerets'_), the land of Israel, His inheritance, with favor and acceptance. This implies a previous period of divine displeasure or judgment, which has now been lifted, and God's grace has been extended once more. It sets a tone of grateful remembrance for God's past mercy and reconciliation, emphasizing His character as a God who delights in His people and their dwelling place.
* **"thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.":** This second clause specifies the nature of God's favor: He has reversed the fortunes of His people, "Jacob" (Israel), by bringing them back from exile. The phrase "brought back" (H7725, _shûwb'_) combined with "captivity" (H7622, _shᵉbûwth'_) powerfully refers to the historical return from the Babylonian captivity. It emphasizes God's active and sovereign role in orchestrating this national restoration, not merely as a political event but as a divine act of covenant faithfulness, demonstrating His power to redeem and gather His dispersed people.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 85:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Recollection** or **Anamnesis**, where the psalmist deliberately recalls past divine acts of deliverance to build a foundation for present petition. This serves to remind both the worshiper and God (as a rhetorical device) of His proven character and unwavering faithfulness. There is also a subtle use of **Personification** in "thy land," treating the land as an entity upon which God bestows favor, intrinsically linked to the people who inhabit it and their spiritual state. The parallelism between "thy land" and "the captivity of Jacob" creates a strong **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second phrase reiterates and specifies the first, emphasizing that God's favor to the land is manifested in His restoration of His people. The direct address "LORD, thou hast..." is an example of **Apostrophe**, lending immediacy and intimacy to the prayer, establishing a personal and reverent tone from the outset.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 85:1 powerfully establishes a theological foundation for the entire psalm by recalling God's past acts of grace and restoration. It underscores the biblical truth that God is inherently faithful to His covenant promises, even when His people have failed. The return from exile was not merely a political event but a profound demonstration of God's sovereign power to redeem and reverse judgment, signifying His enduring love for His chosen people and His commitment to His land. This remembrance of past favor serves as the basis for the community's present plea for renewed blessing, illustrating that God's character, as revealed in history, provides the ultimate ground for hope and prayer in times of need. It affirms that God's past mercies are a guarantee of His future willingness to act on behalf of His people, inviting them to trust in His restorative power and to anticipate His continued goodness.

* [Deuteronomy 30:3](/deuteronomy/30-3 "Deuteronomy 30:3 - God's Promise to Restore Israel")
* [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5-6 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Gathers His People")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love and Mercies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 85:1 offers a profound spiritual lesson for believers today: the remembrance of God's past faithfulness is a vital wellspring of hope and a firm foundation for present and future prayer. Just as the psalmist anchored his plea in God's historical act of bringing back the captivity of Jacob, we are invited to reflect deeply on the ways God has demonstrated His favor and restorative power in our own lives and in the history of His church. This act of spiritual anamnesis—calling to mind God's past mercies—strengthens our faith, reminds us of His unchanging character, and emboldens us to approach Him with confidence, even when facing current challenges or spiritual dryness. It teaches us that God's capacity to bring restoration from seemingly impossible situations, whether personal or communal, is rooted in His very nature. Therefore, our petitions should always be grounded in His proven goodness, anticipating that the God who has been favorable in the past will surely be favorable again, and that His mercies are new every morning. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of grateful remembrance that fuels persistent and hopeful prayer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness, both in biblical history and in your personal life, strengthen your faith in His present and future work?**
* **In what "captivities" or challenging situations are you currently seeking God's restorative power, and how does this verse encourage you to trust in His ability to reverse fortunes?**
* **How can you more intentionally ground your prayers and petitions in God's proven character and past acts of favor, rather than solely focusing on your present need?**
* **What does "God being favourable unto thy land" mean for your understanding of His care for His creation and His people today, and how does it inform your prayers for your community or nation?**

### FAQ

**What does "brought back the captivity of Jacob" specifically refer to?**

Answer: The phrase "brought back the captivity of Jacob" most directly refers to the historical return of the Jewish people from their seventy-year exile in Babylon. After the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple in 586 BC, a significant portion of the Judean population was forcibly deported to Babylon. This period of exile was a direct consequence of Israel's persistent disobedience and idolatry (e.g., [2 Kings 25:1-21](/2_kings/25-1-21 "2 Kings 25:1-21 - The Babylonian Captivity and Destruction of Jerusalem")). However, God, in His unwavering faithfulness, promised a return (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return from Exile")), which was initiated by the decree of Cyrus the Great of Persia in 538 BC, allowing the exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple (e.g., [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree for Temple Rebuilding")). Thus, the verse celebrates God's miraculous intervention in reversing the fortunes of His people and restoring them to their land, demonstrating His covenant loyalty and sovereign power over nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 85:1 celebrates a historical, physical return from exile, its profound themes of divine favor, restoration, and the reversal of captivity find their ultimate and most comprehensive fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "captivity of Jacob" represents humanity's deeper spiritual bondage to sin and death, from which no human effort or earthly decree could deliver. Christ, as the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), is the one through whom God has been "favourable unto thy land"—not merely a geographical territory, but the entire creation and, supremely, humanity. His incarnation, atoning death, and glorious resurrection constitute the definitive act of God's favor, bringing about a spiritual return from the exile of alienation from God. Through faith in Him, believers are "delivered... from the power of darkness, and... translated... into the kingdom of his dear Son" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")), experiencing a restoration far greater than any physical return to a land. He is the true "Jacob" (Israel), the one through whom all God's promises of blessing and restoration are realized, establishing a new covenant where God's favor rests permanently upon His redeemed people ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant Established by Christ")). In Christ, God's ultimate act of bringing back from captivity is not just for a nation, but for all who believe, ushering them into His eternal presence and a renewed relationship with their Creator, fulfilling the deepest longings for God's presence and peace found in the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 23](/psalms/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 14:7

Oh that the salvation of Israel [were come] out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, [and] Israel shall be glad.

Jeremiah 30:18

¶ Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof.

Psalms 77:7

Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?

Ezekiel 39:25

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name;

Joel 2:18

¶ Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.

Psalms 126:1

¶ A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

Psalms 126:2

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.