Psalms 85:8

¶ I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.

I will hear {H8085}{H8799)} what God {H410} the LORD {H3068} will speak {H1696}{H8762)}: for he will speak {H1696}{H8762)} peace {H7965} unto his people {H5971}, and to his saints {H2623}: but let them not turn again {H7725}{H8799)} to folly {H3690}.

I am listening. What will God, ADONAI, say? For he will speak peace to his people, to his holy ones -but only if they don't relapse into folly.

I will listen to what God the LORD will say; for He will surely speak peace to His people and His saints; He will not let them return to folly.

I will hear what God Jehovah will speak; For he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: But let them not turn again to folly.

Context of Psalms 85:8

Psalm 85 is a prayer of a community seeking divine restoration, likely composed after a period of national distress, such as the Babylonian exile. The psalm begins by recounting God's past mercies in bringing the people back (verses 1-3), then shifts to a fervent plea for renewed favor and deliverance from current troubles (verses 4-7). Verse 8 marks a pivotal transition in the psalm, moving from lament and petition to an expectant posture of listening and hope for God's promised peace.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Expectant Listening: The Psalmist declares a readiness to "hear what God the LORD will speak." This highlights the importance of attentive anticipation for divine guidance and revelation, especially in times of uncertainty. It's a posture of faith, believing that God will indeed communicate.
  • Divine Promise of Peace (`Shalom`): The core message God is expected to speak is "peace unto his people, and to his saints." The Hebrew word for peace, shalom, signifies more than just the absence of conflict; it encompasses wholeness, well-being, prosperity, harmony, and restoration in all aspects of life. This promise is specifically for those who belong to Him and are set apart for Him. This echoes the comprehensive peace Jesus promised to His followers, as seen in John 14:27.
  • Warning Against Folly: The crucial caveat, "but let them not turn again to folly," serves as a stern warning. "Folly" (Hebrew: kisla) here refers to moral foolishness, spiritual negligence, or a return to sinful ways that led to past suffering. God's peace and restoration are contingent upon the people's continued faithfulness and repentance. This emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship.

Linguistic Insights

The term "LORD" (capitalized) in KJV typically translates the Hebrew Yahweh or Jehovah, God's personal covenant name, signifying His eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. The word "peace" is shalom (שָלָום), a rich concept in Hebrew thought that goes beyond mere tranquility, encompassing completeness and well-being. "Folly" translates kisla (כִסלָה), which implies foolishness born of moral obtuseness or lack of spiritual discernment, often leading to destructive behavior, as highlighted in Proverbs 14:16.

Practical Application

Psalms 85:8 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Cultivate a Listening Heart: Just as the Psalmist waited expectantly, we are called to actively seek and listen for God's voice through His Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. This readiness to hear is foundational to spiritual growth and receiving divine guidance.
  • Embrace God's Peace: Recognize that God desires to speak peace into our lives, offering a profound sense of well-being that transcends worldly circumstances. This peace is a gift for His people, those who trust and obey Him.
  • Guard Against Backsliding: The warning against returning to folly is a perpetual reminder for believers to remain vigilant against sin and spiritual apathy. True repentance involves not just turning from sin, but also actively pursuing righteousness and not reverting to past mistakes. Our sustained walk with God is crucial for experiencing the fullness of His promised blessings.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 29:11

    The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

  • Revelation 3:19

    As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

  • Zechariah 9:10

    And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion [shall be] from sea [even] to sea, and from the river [even] to the ends of the earth.

  • 2 Timothy 2:19

    ¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

  • Habakkuk 2:1

    ¶ I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

  • Hebrews 10:26

    For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

  • Hebrews 10:29

    Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

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