Psalms 85:4

Psalm 85:4 is a heartfelt plea from a people experiencing divine displeasure, likely after a period of national hardship or exile, such as the return from Babylon. It follows an initial acknowledgment of God's past mercies (Psalm 85:1-3) and sets the stage for a deeper cry for restoration and renewal, demonstrating a profound dependence on God's grace.

Context

This verse is part of a communal prayer for national restoration and revival. The psalmist remembers God's past deliverances but also recognizes the current state of divine disfavor, indicated by "thine anger toward us." The people are seeking a reversal of their fortunes, praying for God to intervene and bring an end to their suffering, which they understand as a consequence of their sin. This psalm is often understood in the context of the Israelites returning from exile, longing for a full restoration of God's favor and presence in their land, much like the joyful return from captivity described in Psalm 126:1, yet still needing a complete spiritual and physical renewal.

Key Themes

• Plea for Divine Reversal: The cry "Turn us, O God of our salvation" is a dual request. It implies a desire for God to restore their spiritual and national well-being, and also for God to turn His face back towards them in favor. It is an acknowledgment that only God can initiate this turning.
• Seeking Mercy Over Judgment: The direct request, "cause thine anger toward us to cease," highlights the people's understanding that their current distress is a result of God's righteous indignation against their sin. They appeal to His character as the "God of our salvation," emphasizing His power and willingness to deliver and forgive, as promised in passages detailing God's compassionate and merciful nature (Exodus 34:6-7).
• Dependence on God's Grace: The prayer underscores a complete reliance on God's initiative for restoration. The people cannot turn themselves fully without divine enablement; they need God to "turn" them and to remove His anger.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "Turn us" is shuv (שׁוּב), which carries a rich theological meaning. It can mean to return, restore, or repent. In this context, it signifies both a divine act of restoration (God turning the circumstances around, or turning back to His people) and a human response of turning back to God (repentance). The phrase "God of our salvation" (Elohei Yishenu) powerfully identifies God as the ultimate source of deliverance, rescue, and well-being, reinforcing the hope that He is capable and willing to grant their petition despite their current state of distress and His righteous anger.

Practical Application

Psalm 85:4 offers a timeless model for prayer in times of personal or communal distress. It teaches us to:

• Acknowledge God's Sovereignty: Recognize that God is in control and that His anger, when present, is just, often serving as a consequence of sin that leads to repentance.
• Seek His Mercy: Approach God as the "God of our salvation," trusting in His compassionate nature to forgive and restore. This echoes the sentiment found in Lamentations 3:22-23, which speaks of God's unfailing mercies.
• Pray for Transformation: Understand that true restoration often involves both God turning *to* us and enabling us to turn *back* to Him in genuine repentance. This verse encourages a humble and earnest appeal for divine intervention to overcome the consequences of sin and experience renewed favor.