Psalms 85:7

KJV

Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.

KJV (with Strong's)

Shew {H7200}{H8685)} us thy mercy {H2617}, O LORD {H3068}, and grant {H5414}{H8799)} us thy salvation {H3468}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Show us your grace, ADONAI; grant us your salvation.

Berean Standard Bible

Show us Your loving devotion, O LORD, and grant us Your salvation.

American Standard Version

Show us thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah, And grant us thy salvation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 85:7 encapsulates a profound communal plea for divine intervention, marking a pivotal turning point within a psalm of lament and petition. Having recalled God's past faithfulness, the community earnestly implores the Lord to actively display His steadfast love (mercy) and to bring about comprehensive rescue (salvation) in their present circumstances of perceived divine displeasure or national hardship. This verse articulates a fundamental human and corporate dependence on God's unchanging character and sovereign power for restoration and well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 85 is situated within the third book of the Psalter, a collection often characterized by communal laments and prayers for national restoration. The psalm opens with a hopeful remembrance of God's past gracious acts, specifically His forgiveness and restoration of His people (vv. 1-3), establishing a foundation of trust based on historical precedent. However, this remembrance swiftly transitions into a fervent appeal for God to turn from His present anger and revive His people (vv. 4-6), indicating a current state of distress, spiritual decline, or perceived divine withdrawal. Verse 7, "Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation," functions as the urgent heart of this petition, a direct and impassioned cry for God to act decisively. Following this central plea, the psalm shifts towards an expression of hopeful expectation, anticipating God's favorable response and the subsequent blessings of righteousness and peace that will accompany His renewed favor (vv. 8-13). This characteristic structure—moving from remembrance to lament, then to petition, and finally to hope—is a hallmark of many communal psalms, demonstrating a resilient faith that appeals to God's character despite present difficulties.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting for Psalm 85 is not explicitly stated, scholarly consensus frequently places it in the post-exilic period, likely after the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. Although the initial return to the land had occurred, the community faced significant ongoing challenges: economic hardship, political vulnerability, and a pervasive sense that God's full favor had not yet been completely restored. The temple might have been rebuilt, but the former glory of the Davidic kingdom was conspicuously absent, and the covenant promises seemed only partially fulfilled. In this context, the plea for "mercy" and "salvation" carried immense weight, referring not just to spiritual well-being but also to physical security, agricultural prosperity, and the full restoration of their national identity and covenant relationship with YHWH. The people were acutely aware of their covenant obligations and understood that their well-being was directly tied to God's active presence and blessing, which they felt was currently withheld, perhaps as a consequence of past sins, as implied in the preceding plea for revival in [Psalm 85:4-6](/psalms/85-4-6 "Psalm 85:4-6 - Plea for Restoration and Revival").
* **Key Themes:** The central themes embedded in Psalms 85:7 are deeply rooted in the broader biblical narrative of God's relationship with His people. The primary request for **Divine Mercy** points directly to God's steadfast, covenantal love, a concept powerfully conveyed by the Hebrew term *hesed*. This is not merely an emotion of pity but an unwavering faithfulness and enduring kindness that God demonstrates towards His chosen people, recalling His self-revelation in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord, the Compassionate and Gracious God"). Coupled with this profound mercy is the fervent plea for **God's Salvation**, or *yeshu'ah*. This term encompasses comprehensive deliverance, rescue, and well-being—spiritual, physical, and national. It signifies God's active intervention to bring His people out of distress and into a state of wholeness and peace, echoing the great acts of deliverance throughout Israel's history, such as the miraculous [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea"). The very act of petitioning God in this manner underscores a profound **Dependence and Humility**, acknowledging that the people's restoration is entirely contingent upon God's sovereign will and gracious action, rather than their own merit or strength. This posture of humble reliance is a recurring motif throughout the Psalms, as powerfully articulated in [Psalm 62:5](/psalms/62-5 "Psalm 62:5 - My Soul Waits for God Alone").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This is one of the richest and most significant theological terms in the Old Testament. *Ḥesed* denotes more than just pity or compassion; it is God's loyal, steadfast love, faithfulness, and covenant commitment. It describes an active, enduring kindness that is rooted in a relationship. When the psalmist asks God to "shew us thy mercy," it is a plea for God to visibly and powerfully demonstrate His unwavering covenant faithfulness, to act according to His character as the God who keeps His promises and remains loyal to His people, even when they have strayed or are suffering. It implies a desire for God to manifest His active goodness and loyalty in their present circumstances.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, personal, covenant name of God, YHWH, often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles. Derived from the Hebrew verb "to be" (*hayah*), it signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and active presence. Addressing God as "O LORD" in this verse is a direct appeal to the God who revealed Himself to Israel, who made a covenant with them, and who has consistently demonstrated His power and faithfulness throughout their history. It grounds the plea for mercy and salvation in the very character and identity of the God of the covenant, emphasizing His unique authority and ability to deliver.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yeshaʻ'_):** This word signifies liberty, deliverance, prosperity, safety, or saving. It is a broad term that can encompass liberation from enemies, healing from sickness, restoration from exile, or spiritual redemption from sin. The request for "thy salvation" is a recognition that true and complete deliverance comes only from God. It is a comprehensive term for God's saving action, encompassing all aspects of well-being and restoration. The plea is not just for a temporary reprieve but for a holistic and lasting intervention that restores the people to a state of peace and flourishing under God's favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Shew us thy mercy, O LORD,"**: This opening clause is a direct and urgent appeal to YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. The verb "shew" (from Hebrew *ra'ah*) means to see, perceive, or cause to see, to make visible. Thus, the plea is for God to make His *hesed*—His steadfast, covenantal love and faithfulness—manifest and evident to them. It's a request for an active, tangible demonstration of His loyal kindness, not merely a passive feeling of compassion. The plural pronoun "us" indicates a communal prayer, reflecting the collective experience and shared need of the people.
* **"and grant us thy salvation."**: This second clause parallels and complements the first. The verb "grant" (from Hebrew *natan*) means to give, bestow, or put. It is a request for God to actively bestow His *yeshaʻ*—His comprehensive deliverance and well-being—upon them. The coupling of mercy and salvation highlights that God's saving acts flow directly from His faithful, loving character. The plea is for a full and complete rescue from whatever distress or perceived divine displeasure they are experiencing, leading to a state of peace and restoration.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices that enhance its emotional and theological impact. Most prominently, it utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first. "Shew us thy mercy" is paralleled by "grant us thy salvation," indicating that God's mercy is the fundamental source and active manifestation of His salvation. The two concepts are deeply intertwined, emphasizing that God's loving-kindness is the indispensable foundation for His saving work. The verse also functions as a direct **Petition** or **Supplication**, a humble and earnest request addressed directly to God ("O LORD"), underscoring the psalmist's and the community's absolute dependence on divine intervention. Furthermore, the use of "Shew" and "grant" can be seen as mild **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human actions of showing and giving to God, thereby making His divine attributes more relatable and immediate to the petitioners and emphasizing His active engagement in their circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 85:7 stands as a timeless articulation of humanity's fundamental need for God's grace and redemptive power. It underscores the biblical truth that God's character is profoundly defined by His steadfast love (*hesed*) and His unwavering willingness to deliver (*yeshaʻ*). This divine disposition is not earned by human merit or performance but flows from God's inherent goodness and unbreakable covenant faithfulness. The psalmist's earnest plea acknowledges that even in times of perceived divine anger or distance, the ultimate, enduring hope for restoration lies in appealing to God's unchanging nature as a merciful and saving God. This verse powerfully reminds us that true security, flourishing, and peace, whether for an individual or a community, are found only in the Lord's active intervention, which is always rooted in His loyal love for His people. It is a profound reminder that God's mercy precedes, enables, and empowers His salvation, making a way for reconciliation, renewal, and comprehensive well-being.

* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord, the Compassionate and Gracious God")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Never Come to an End")
* [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Saved by His Mercy, Not by Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 85:7 offers a profound model for prayer and a source of enduring hope for believers in every generation. In moments of personal struggle, spiritual dryness, or collective crisis, this verse invites us to turn directly to God with honesty, humility, and unwavering dependence. It teaches us to appeal not to our own worthiness or perceived merit, but solely to God's unchanging character as a God rich in mercy and mighty to save. Just as the ancient community yearned for restoration, we too can bring our deepest needs—forgiveness from sin, healing from affliction, deliverance from spiritual bondage, comfort in sorrow, or renewal in our families and communities—before the Lord, trusting that His *hesed* is unfailing and His *yeshaʻ* is comprehensive. This verse encourages a robust faith that anticipates God's active intervention, reminding us that even when circumstances seem bleak, our hope is firmly anchored in the One who has always shown mercy and granted salvation to His people. It calls us to a posture of expectant waiting, knowing that God delights in manifesting His goodness to those who humbly seek Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or community do you most deeply need God to "shew His mercy" and "grant His salvation" today?**
* **How does recalling God's past faithfulness, as exemplified in [Psalm 85:1-3](/psalms/85-1-3 "Psalm 85:1-3 - God's Past Favor"), strengthen your prayer for His present intervention?**
* **What does it mean, practically, to truly depend on God's character (His *hesed* and *yeshaʻ*) rather than your own efforts or the prevailing circumstances?**
* **How might this verse shape and enrich your approach to communal prayer for national or global challenges and the needs of the church?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "mercy" and "salvation" in this verse?**

Answer: While closely related and often found together, "mercy" (Hebrew *ḥesed*) and "salvation" (Hebrew *yeshaʻ*) in Psalms 85:7 represent distinct yet interconnected aspects of God's character and action. "Mercy" primarily refers to God's steadfast, covenantal love, His loyal faithfulness, and His enduring kindness. It is the underlying disposition of God's heart that moves Him to act on behalf of His people. It's the compassionate source from which His saving acts flow. "Salvation," on the other hand, refers to the active outcome or manifestation of that mercy—the deliverance, rescue, help, or comprehensive well-being that God provides. So, God's mercy is the compassionate motivation and faithful commitment, while His salvation is the concrete act of deliverance and restoration that results from that mercy. The psalmist is essentially asking God to make His loyal love visible and to bring about the full scope of His saving power. This relationship is beautifully illustrated in [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God, Being Rich in Mercy, Made Us Alive with Christ").

**How does this verse relate to communal prayer?**

Answer: Psalms 85:7 is explicitly a communal prayer, indicated by the plural pronouns "us" and "thy." It reflects the collective cry of a community or nation facing distress and seeking God's favor and intervention. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that prayer is not solely an individual pursuit but also a vital communal activity. When a community faces shared challenges—whether spiritual apathy, societal brokenness, or national crisis—this verse provides a template for united petition. It encourages believers to come together, acknowledging their collective dependence on God's mercy and salvation, and to voice their shared longing for His restorative work. It underscores the biblical principle that God often responds to the corporate prayers of His people, as seen in instances like the early church praying together for boldness and power in [Acts 4:24-31](/acts/4-24-31 "Acts 4:24-31 - The Believers Pray for Boldness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earnest plea of Psalms 85:7, "Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament longing for God's manifest *hesed* (mercy/steadfast love) and *yeshaʻ* (salvation/deliverance) is fully realized in Him, for Jesus is the very embodiment of God's covenant faithfulness and the sole source of our complete redemption. When God "shewed us His mercy," He did so supremely by sending His Son into the world, as [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World") so profoundly proclaims. Jesus is the "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")), through whom God "grants us His salvation." His incarnation is the ultimate demonstration of divine mercy, making God's love tangible and accessible ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His atoning death on the cross secured our deliverance from sin's penalty and power, and His resurrection guarantees our hope of eternal life, fulfilling the comprehensive *yeshaʻ* longed for by the psalmist. Thus, in Christ, God's mercy is not merely shown, but poured out abundantly, and His salvation is not merely granted, but fully accomplished and freely offered to all who believe, as articulated in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith"). He is the "author of salvation" ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Jesus, the Author of Salvation")), through whom the ancient prayer finds its resounding "Amen."

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 91:16

With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Psalms 50:23

Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth [his] conversation [aright] will I shew the salvation of God.

Jeremiah 42:12

And I will shew mercies unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land.