Psalms 85:13

Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set [us] in the way of his steps.

Righteousness {H6664} shall go {H1980}{H8762)} before {H6440} him; and shall set {H7760}{H8799)} us in the way {H1870} of his steps {H6471}.

Justice will walk before him and make his footsteps a path.

Righteousness will go before Him to prepare the way for His steps.

Righteousness shall go before him, And shall make his footsteps a way to walk in.

Commentary

Context of Psalms 85:13

Psalm 85 is a prayer of a community that has experienced God's favor, followed by a period of divine displeasure or judgment, likely referring to the Babylonian exile and subsequent return. The psalmist expresses gratitude for past deliverance (Psalm 85:1-3) and then earnestly prays for renewed restoration and revival (Psalm 85:4-7). The latter part of the psalm anticipates God's gracious response, picturing a harmonious meeting of divine attributes: "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other" (Psalm 85:10). Verse 13 concludes this prophetic vision, emphasizing God's righteous nature as the guiding force for His people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Righteousness as a Guide: The verse highlights that God's own righteousness leads the way. It is not merely an attribute, but an active principle that precedes and directs His actions and His people. This implies that God's plans and paths are always just and right.
  • God's Perfect Leading: "Righteousness shall go before him" signifies that God's character ensures the path He lays out is impeccable. For those who follow Him, this means they are led into ways that are morally sound and ultimately beneficial.
  • Following God's Steps: The phrase "shall set [us] in the way of his steps" speaks to the precise and purposeful guidance God provides. It means that as God's righteousness leads, believers are enabled to walk in alignment with His will and example, following His very footsteps. This is a promise of divine enablement to live righteously.
  • Restoration and Blessing: In the broader context of Psalm 85, this verse serves as a culmination of the prayer for restoration, indicating that renewed blessing comes when God's righteousness is manifest and His people walk in His ways.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "Righteousness" is tzedeq (צֶדֶק), which encompasses not just moral rectitude but also justice, conformity to a standard, and faithfulness to a covenant. When it's said to "go before him," it means it acts as a vanguard, preparing the way and ensuring that all that follows is in accordance with God's perfect standard. The phrase "way of his steps" vividly portrays walking in God's exact path, implying imitation of His character and adherence to His commands.

Practical Application

Psalms 85:13 offers profound comfort and direction for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Character: We can trust that God's plans for us are always grounded in His perfect righteousness. When we face uncertainty, we can be confident that He leads us in paths of righteousness.
  • Seeking Divine Guidance: This verse encourages us to seek God's direction in all areas of life. If we allow His righteousness to lead, we will find ourselves walking in paths that are aligned with His will, not our own errant desires.
  • Living a Righteous Life: The promise that righteousness "shall set [us] in the way of his steps" implies an active participation. As God leads, we are called to respond by living in a way that reflects His character, imitating Christ's example. This pursuit of holiness is not by our own strength alone but through God's enabling grace.
  • Hope for the Future: Just as the psalmist looked forward to God's restoration, we too can look forward to a future where God's righteousness prevails, guiding us towards His ultimate purposes and the establishment of His kingdom.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 89:14 (6 votes)

    Justice and judgment [are] the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.

  • John 13:34 (5 votes)

    A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

  • 1 Peter 4:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

  • 1 John 2:6 (4 votes)

    He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

  • Isaiah 58:8 (4 votes)

    ¶ Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.

  • Galatians 2:20 (4 votes)

    I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:18 (4 votes)

    But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.