Psalms 85:6

Context

Psalm 85 is a prayer of a community, likely written after the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon, a period marked by both hope and lingering disappointment. While they had been restored to their land, the full glorious promises of God's kingdom had not yet materialized, and they faced hardship and spiritual languishing. The psalm begins by recalling God's past favor (Psalm 85:1-3) and then transitions into an earnest plea for renewed mercy and deliverance. Verse 6 is a direct cry for spiritual and national revitalization, recognizing that only God can bring true restoration.

Key Themes

• A Plea for Revival: The central theme is a passionate cry for God to "revive us again." This isn't just a request for physical or material prosperity, but a deep yearning for spiritual renewal, for God's life-giving presence to invigorate His people once more. It acknowledges a state of spiritual dormancy or decline.
• The Purpose of Revival – Joy in God: The ultimate goal of this revival is clear: "that thy people may rejoice in thee." True joy, according to the psalmist, is not found in circumstances alone, but in a restored relationship with God and the experience of His mercy and power. This joy is a direct result of divine intervention and a renewed spiritual vitality.
• Divine Initiative: The question "Wilt thou not revive us again?" implies that only God has the power and authority to bring about such a profound spiritual awakening. It highlights human dependence on God's grace and initiative for any true and lasting revival.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "revive" is chayah (חָיָה), which means "to live," "to keep alive," "to restore to life," or "to quicken." It speaks of bringing back to a state of vigor, health, and vitality from a condition of languishing, decay, or even spiritual death. This term emphasizes a profound transformation and renewal, not merely an improvement. The longing for God's people to "rejoice" comes from the Hebrew word gil (גִּיל), often conveying exuberant joy, to spin around with delight, or to exult.

Related Scriptures

• This yearning for revival echoes similar prayers found elsewhere, such as Habakkuk 3:2, "O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years."
• The connection between God's restoration and His people's joy is a consistent biblical theme, seen in passages like Nehemiah 8:10, where "the joy of the LORD is your strength," and Philippians 4:4, which exhorts believers to "Rejoice in the Lord alway."
• The concept of God turning His anger away and showing mercy, which precedes the revival, is beautifully expressed in Psalm 30:5: "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

Practical Application

Psalm 85:6 remains a powerful prayer for believers today, individually and corporately. It calls us to:

• Recognize the Need for Revival: We must honestly assess our spiritual state and that of our communities, acknowledging when there is a decline in fervor, faith, or love for God.
• Pray Earnestly for Renewal: This verse models a fervent prayer for God to intervene and breathe new life into His people. It reminds us that true spiritual awakening is a sovereign act of God, often in response to desperate prayer.
• Seek God-Centered Joy: The ultimate aim of revival is not just comfort or prosperity, but a deeper, more profound joy in God Himself. When God revives, His people are able to truly rejoice in Him, finding their delight and satisfaction in His presence and purposes.
• Live in Expectation: The psalmist's question implies an expectation of God's positive response, fostering hope and anticipation for His transforming work.