Psalms 85:6

KJV

Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

KJV (with Strong's)

Wilt thou not revive {H2421}{H8762)} us again {H7725}{H8799)}: that thy people {H5971} may rejoice {H8055}{H8799)} in thee?

Complete Jewish Bible

Won't you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you?

Berean Standard Bible

Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?

American Standard Version

Wilt thou not quicken us again, That thy people may rejoice in thee?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 85:6 is a fervent communal plea for divine intervention, crying out for God to restore spiritual vitality and national flourishing to His people. Emerging from a period of post-exilic disappointment and spiritual languishing, the psalmist expresses a deep yearning for God to rekindle their faith and joy, recognizing that true rejoicing can only stem from a renewed relationship with the Almighty and the experience of His life-giving presence. This verse encapsulates both a confession of need and an expectant hope in God's sovereign power to bring about profound spiritual transformation and renewal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 85 is a communal lament and prayer for restoration, structured as a dynamic dialogue between the community and God, culminating in a hopeful oracle. The psalm opens by recalling God's past favor and deliverance, specifically His turning away of wrath and forgiveness of sins, as seen in [Psalms 85:1-3](/psalms/85-1 "Psalm 85:1-3 - God's Past Favor and Forgiveness"). This remembrance of God's historical grace sets a crucial precedent for the present plea. Verses [Psalms 85:4-7](/psalms/85-4 "Psalm 85:4-7 - A Plea for Restoration and Revival") constitute the heart of the lament, where the community earnestly implores God to "turn us, O God of our salvation" and "cause thine anger toward us to cease." Verse 6, "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?", is a direct, impassioned cry embedded within this plea, expressing the profound spiritual longing that undergirds their desire for national restoration. The psalm then transitions into an oracle of hope and promise in [Psalms 85:8-13](/psalms/85-8 "Psalm 85:8-13 - God's Promise of Peace, Righteousness, and Truth"), anticipating God's faithful response of peace, righteousness, and truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting is debated, Psalm 85 is widely understood to be a post-exilic psalm, likely composed after the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon (c. 538 BCE onwards). This period, though initially marked by the joy of returning to the promised land, was also characterized by significant challenges and widespread disappointment. The glorious prophecies of a fully restored kingdom, a rebuilt temple, and immediate prosperity had not yet materialized as expected. The people faced economic hardship, persistent opposition from surrounding nations (e.g., [Nehemiah 4](/nehemiah/4 "Nehemiah 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding the Walls")), and a pervasive sense of spiritual languishing or apathy. The "anger" mentioned in [Psalms 85:4-5](/psalms/85-4 "Psalm 85:4-5 - Turn Us, O God of Our Salvation") likely refers to the ongoing consequences of their past sins, which had led to the exile, and a perceived lack of God's full favor in their present circumstances. The prayer for revival, therefore, is not merely for physical prosperity but for a renewed spiritual vitality and the full manifestation of God's covenant blessings upon His people and their land, acknowledging their dependence on His sovereign intervention.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in Psalm 85 and the broader biblical narrative. Central among them is **A Plea for Revival**, a passionate cry for God to "revive us again," indicating a state of spiritual dormancy, decline, or even despair among the people. This is not a request for mere improvement but for a profound, life-giving spiritual renewal, acknowledging that only God can quicken what is dead or languishing. Coupled with this is **The Purpose of Revival – Joy in God**, articulated by the phrase "that thy people may rejoice in thee." This highlights that the ultimate goal of divine restoration is not simply comfort or material prosperity, but a deep, authentic, and God-centered joy that springs from a renewed relationship with Him and the experience of His mercy and power. Finally, the interrogative "Wilt thou not revive us again?" underscores the theme of **Divine Initiative** and human dependence. It is a rhetorical question that implies only God possesses the power and authority to bring about such a profound spiritual awakening, emphasizing the people's reliance on His grace and sovereign action for any true and lasting revival. This longing for God's life-giving presence is foundational to the psalm's movement from lament to hope, anticipating the fulfillment found in [Psalms 85:8-13](/psalms/85-8 "Psalm 85:8-13 - God's Promise of Peace and Righteousness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Revive (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** This verb (H2421) is a primitive root meaning "to live," "to keep alive," "to restore to life," or "to quicken." It denotes a transition from a state of death, decay, languishing, or dormancy to one of vigor, health, and vitality. In a spiritual context, as here, it signifies a profound renewal, a spiritual reawakening, or a fresh impartation of divine life. It implies that the people are currently in a state of spiritual sluggishness or decline, needing God's active intervention to breathe life back into them. This is not merely an improvement but a transformation, a bringing back to a vibrant, living relationship with God.
* **People (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** This noun (H5971) refers to "a people (as a congregated unit)," specifically a tribe, or collectively, troops or attendants. Figuratively, it can mean a flock. In this context, "thy people" emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. It highlights that the community's spiritual state directly impacts their identity and relationship with God, and that the requested revival is for the collective body of those who belong to Him.
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** This primitive root (H8055) probably means "to brighten up," and figuratively, "to be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome." It conveys a sense of exuberant, often demonstrative, joy. It suggests a joy that is not passive or internal but overflows into outward expression. When linked to "in thee," it specifies that the source, object, and sphere of this profound gladness is God Himself. This is a joy rooted in His character, His presence, and His saving acts, a joy that is the natural outcome of His life-giving revival.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wilt thou not revive us again":** This is a rhetorical question, functioning as an earnest and desperate plea. The "Wilt thou not...?" structure expresses a deep yearning and an expectation, almost a challenge, for God to act according to His character as a life-giver. The phrase "us again" points to a past experience of God's life-giving power (as recalled in [Psalms 85:1-3](/psalms/85-1 "Psalm 85:1-3 - God's Past Favor")) and a recognition of the current need for a fresh outpouring of that same divine life. It acknowledges a state of spiritual decline or languishing, implying that the people feel spiritually dead or dormant and are utterly dependent on God's sovereign intervention to restore them to vitality.
* **"that thy people may rejoice in thee?":** This clause provides the ultimate purpose and desired outcome of the revival. The conjunction "that" introduces a teleological (purpose) clause. The goal of God's revival is not merely comfort or material prosperity, but a profound, God-centered joy. "Thy people" emphasizes the covenant relationship – it is God's chosen people who are seeking this renewal. The phrase "rejoice in thee" is crucial; it specifies that the joy is not in circumstances, possessions, or even in the act of revival itself, but in God Himself. It speaks of a restored relationship, a delight in His presence, His character, and His saving work, which is the natural and intended result of true spiritual quickening.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 85:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its impassioned plea. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("Wilt thou not revive us again?"). This is not a question seeking information but rather a forceful and impassioned plea, expressing both the psalmist's deep yearning and a confident expectation that God, true to His character, will indeed act. It serves to intensify the prayer and emphasize the people's utter dependence on God's initiative for spiritual renewal. There is also an implicit **Cause and Effect** or **Purpose Clause** linking the two halves of the verse: God's act of "reviving us" is the cause, and "that thy people may rejoice in thee" is the intended effect or ultimate purpose. This highlights the teleological nature of God's work – He revives for the sake of His own glory and the joy of His people in Him. The verse also functions as a form of **Interrogative Prayer**, a direct address to God that conveys both vulnerability and hopeful anticipation, demonstrating the community's humble yet earnest reliance on divine grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The plea in Psalms 85:6 for God to "revive us again" touches upon a profound theological truth: God is the ultimate source of life, both physical and spiritual. When humanity, or a community, experiences spiritual languishing, it is a departure from the vibrant life God intends. True revival, therefore, is always a sovereign act of God, a fresh outpouring of His Spirit that quickens hearts, renews faith, and restores a right relationship with Him. The purpose of this divine quickening is not self-gratification or material gain but a deeper, more authentic joy found *in God*. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but springs from an intimate communion with the Creator, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of humanity to glorify and enjoy Him forever. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing God's desire for His people to live abundantly and find their ultimate delight in Him.

* [Habakkuk 3:2](/habakkuk/3-2 "Habakkuk 3:2 - Revive Your Work")
* [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")
* [Psalms 51:12](/psalms/51-12 "Psalm 51:12 - Restore the Joy of Your Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 85:6 remains a timeless and potent prayer for believers today, both individually and corporately. It calls us to a profound self-assessment, urging us to honestly recognize when our spiritual lives, or the collective life of our communities, have grown cold, stagnant, or devoid of the vibrant joy that should characterize God's people. This verse models a fervent, dependent prayer for God to intervene, to breathe His life-giving Spirit into us once more, rekindling our love, faith, and zeal. It reminds us that true spiritual awakening is not something we can manufacture through programs or human effort, but is a sovereign act of God, often in response to desperate, humble prayer. The ultimate aim of this revival is not merely comfort, prosperity, or even personal happiness, but a deeper, more profound joy *in God Himself*. When God revives, His people are enabled to truly delight in Him, finding their satisfaction and purpose in His presence, His character, and His eternal purposes. This leads to a life lived in hopeful expectation, trusting that God will indeed hear and respond to the cries of His people for renewal and transformation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your spiritual life, or in the life of your church community, do you sense a need for God to "revive us again"?**
* **What does it truly mean to "rejoice in God," and how does this differ from joy based on circumstances or personal achievements?**
* **How does the rhetorical question "Wilt thou not revive us again?" shape your understanding of prayer for revival and your dependence on God's initiative?**

### FAQ
**Is 'revival' in this verse primarily about personal spiritual experience or national restoration?**

Answer: In the Old Testament context, particularly for a post-exilic psalm like Psalm 85, the concept of "revival" (Hebrew: *châyâh*) often encompassed both personal spiritual vitality and the restoration of the nation as a whole. The well-being of the individual was deeply intertwined with the covenantal relationship and flourishing of the community of Israel. Therefore, the plea "revive *us* again" implies a corporate spiritual quickening that would lead to national renewal and the full manifestation of God's blessings upon His people and their land. This would naturally include individual spiritual awakening, as a nation is comprised of individuals. Today, the principle applies to both: individuals can experience personal spiritual renewal (e.g., [Psalms 51:10](/psalms/51-10 "Psalm 51:10 - Create in me a clean heart, O God")), and the church, as God's people, can experience corporate revival, a widespread movement of God's Spirit that brings renewed faith, repentance, and zeal (e.g., [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - If my people, who are called by my name...")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 85:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's life-giving power and the source of all true spiritual revival. Humanity, dead in trespasses and sins ([Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Trespasses and Sins")), stood in desperate need of God to "revive us again." Christ, through His atoning death and glorious resurrection, provides the ultimate quickening, bringing us from spiritual death to abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full")). The Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent from the Father, is the active agent of this revival, regenerating hearts and indwelling believers, making them alive to God ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing")). Consequently, the purpose of this revival—"that thy people may rejoice in thee"—is perfectly realized in Christ. Our deepest and most enduring joy is found *in Him*, for He is the one who reconciles us to God and grants us access by faith into this grace ([Romans 5:11](/romans/5-11 "Romans 5:11 - We also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ")). The New Testament consistently exhorts believers to "Rejoice in the Lord always" ([Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")), a joy that is not dependent on fleeting circumstances but on our unbreakable union with Christ and the indwelling Spirit. He is the ultimate answer to the psalmist's plea, bringing not just a temporary quickening, but eternal life and an unshakeable joy in God.

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

Habakkuk 3:2

O LORD, I have heard thy speech, [and] was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

Psalms 80:18

So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.

Isaiah 57:15

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Psalms 90:14

O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Hosea 6:2

After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.

Psalms 71:20

[Thou], which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

Psalms 53:6

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