Psalms 85:9

KJV

Surely his salvation [is] nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely his salvation {H3468} is nigh {H7138} them that fear {H3373} him; that glory {H3519} may dwell {H7931}{H8800)} in our land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His salvation is near for those who fear him, so that glory will be in our land.

Berean Standard Bible

Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land.

American Standard Version

Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him, That glory may dwell in our land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 85:9 offers a profound declaration of divine proximity and assured hope, asserting that God's comprehensive salvation is not only certain but also readily accessible to those who hold Him in reverential awe. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's confident expectation that the manifestation of God's saving power and glorious presence is imminent, promising spiritual renewal, peace, and prosperity to the land and its people who walk in obedient reverence before Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 85:9 is strategically positioned within a psalm that masterfully transitions from a communal lament and fervent plea for restoration to an expression of confident expectation and prophetic assurance. The psalm opens by recounting God's past acts of mercy and forgiveness toward His people, specifically mentioning the removal of Jacob's captivity and the covering of their sin (verses 1-3). This remembrance of past grace sets the stage for the earnest petition for renewed favor and revival in verses 4-7, where the psalmist implores God to "turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease." Verse 8 marks a pivotal shift, as the psalmist declares, "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." This declaration of attentive listening and anticipated divine peace directly precedes and informs verse 9, which then articulates the specific content of that anticipated peace: God's salvation drawing near, leading to the dwelling of His glory. Thus, verse 9 serves as the confident, prophetic response to the preceding prayer and the immediate fulfillment of the expectation set in [Psalms 85:8](/psalms/85-8 "Psalms 85:8 - God Speaks Peace"). The subsequent verses (10-13) then describe the blessed outcomes of this divine presence, where "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting of Psalms 85 is not explicitly stated, its themes strongly suggest a post-exilic context, or at least a period of national distress following divine judgment. The references to God having "brought back the captivity of Jacob" (verse 1) and having "turned away thy wrath" (verse 3) resonate deeply with the return from Babylonian exile, though the continued plea for revival (verses 4-7) indicates that full restoration and ideal conditions have not yet been realized. The "land" (Hebrew: *'erets*) in verse 9 refers to the land of Israel, a central and deeply significant concept in Israelite theology, representing God's covenantal promise, their inheritance, and the sacred space where His people were meant to live in blessing and obedience. The desire for God's "glory" to "dwell in our land" reflects the profound longing for the manifest presence of Yahweh, reminiscent of the glory that filled the Tabernacle ([Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - God's Glory Fills the Tabernacle")) and the Temple ([1 Kings 8:11](/1_kings/8-11 "1 Kings 8:11 - God's Glory Fills the Temple")), signifying God's approval, protection, and benevolent blessing upon His covenant people. The concept of "fearing God" was a foundational cultural and religious norm, signifying not terror but profound reverence, trust, and obedient submission to God's covenant commands, essential for national well-being.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 85:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Nearness and Accessibility**, emphasizing that God's saving power is not distant or remote but readily available to those who meet His conditions. This contrasts sharply with the feeling of abandonment or remoteness that often accompanies periods of national judgment or lament, as seen in the cry of [Psalms 10:1](/psalms/10-1 "Psalms 10:1 - Why do you stand far off, O LORD?"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Primacy of the Fear of the Lord**. This "fear" is a consistent biblical theme, denoting a reverential awe and humble obedience that is the "beginning of wisdom" ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")) and the path to life ([Proverbs 14:27](/proverbs/14-27 "Proverbs 14:27 - The Fear of the LORD is a Fountain of Life")). It is the proper posture of humanity before a holy God, leading to righteousness and blessing. Finally, the verse powerfully articulates the theme of **God's Glory and Manifest Presence**. The dwelling of God's glory signifies His active, transformative presence, bringing about peace, righteousness, and prosperity, which is the ultimate goal of God's redemptive work in the land and among His people, echoing the desire for God's presence to fill His dwelling place.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yeshaʻ'_):** This term (H3468) is rich in meaning, encompassing liberty, deliverance, prosperity, safety, and saving. It refers to God's comprehensive acts of rescue and well-being, not merely from physical danger but also from sin, oppression, and distress. In this context, it speaks to the restoration of the nation, both spiritually and physically, and the re-establishment of God's favor.
* **Nigh (Hebrew, _qârôwb'_):** This word (H7138) signifies proximity, closeness, or imminence, meaning near in place, kindred, or time. It conveys the idea that God's salvation is not far off or delayed but is at hand, readily accessible, and about to be realized. This word instills hope and confidence, assuring the fearful that divine intervention is not remote.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This term (H3373) is derived from the root meaning "to fear," but in a moral sense, it means reverent. It is not a cowering dread but a profound, reverential awe, respect, and worshipful submission. It implies a recognition of God's sovereignty, holiness, and power, leading to obedience, trust, and a desire to please Him. Those who "fear him" are His faithful, covenant-keeping people.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** This word (H3519) properly means "weight," but figuratively, it refers to splendor or copiousness, honor, and majesty. It denotes God's inherent weight, honor, majesty, and manifest presence. When God's glory "dwells," it signifies His active, visible, and transformative presence bringing blessing, righteousness, and peace. It represents the full realization of God's covenant promises and His benevolent rule.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely his salvation [is] nigh them that fear him":** This clause opens with a strong affirmation ("Surely" or "Indeed"), expressing absolute confidence in the truth of the statement. It declares that God's comprehensive deliverance and well-being are not distant but are imminently available to a specific group: those who hold Him in reverential awe and humble obedience. This proximity implies both temporal nearness (it will happen soon) and relational nearness (God is close to His devoted people). The condition "them that fear him" is crucial, indicating that divine blessing is contingent upon a right relationship with God.
* **"that glory may dwell in our land":** This second clause reveals the ultimate purpose and blessed outcome of God's near salvation. The "glory" refers to the manifest presence, splendor, and honor of God. For this glory to "dwell" (Hebrew: _shâkan_, implying a settled, abiding presence, like the Shekinah glory that resided in the Tabernacle and Temple) in "our land" indicates a desire for a lasting, transformative divine presence that brings spiritual renewal, righteousness, peace, and prosperity to the entire nation and its territory. It signifies the restoration of God's favor and the flourishing of His people under His benevolent rule, transforming the physical space into a place permeated by God's holy presence.

#### Literary Devices
The psalmist employs several literary devices to convey the profound message of Psalms 85:9. **Parallelism** is evident, though not strictly synonymous, as the first clause describes the *condition* for God's action ("nigh them that fear him") and the *action* itself ("his salvation is nigh"), while the second clause describes the *purpose* and *result* of that action ("that glory may dwell in our land"). This creates a clear cause-and-effect relationship, linking human reverence to divine manifestation. The use of "surely" acts as an **affirmation** or **asseveration**, lending strong emphasis and certainty to the declaration, transforming a hopeful wish into a confident statement of fact. Furthermore, the imagery of "glory" "dwelling" evokes powerful **symbolism** of God's tangible, abiding presence, reminiscent of the Shekinah glory of the Tabernacle and Temple, signifying a return to a state of intimate communion and blessing. This **personification** of "salvation" being "nigh" subtly suggests an active, approaching entity, highlighting its dynamic nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 85:9 articulates a fundamental theological principle: God's redemptive actions are intrinsically linked to humanity's posture of reverence and obedience. It underscores the covenantal relationship where divine blessing flows to those who honor God. The "nearness" of salvation speaks to God's active engagement in human history and His readiness to intervene for His people. The ultimate goal—the dwelling of God's glory—points to the eschatological hope of a transformed world where God's presence fully permeates creation, bringing righteousness and peace. This verse beautifully connects the personal experience of fearing God with the communal manifestation of His glory, illustrating that individual faithfulness contributes to corporate blessing and national flourishing under divine favor. It foreshadows the ultimate dwelling of God with His people.

* [Isaiah 46:13](/isaiah/46-13 "My salvation is near")
* [Zechariah 2:10](/zechariah/2-10 "I am coming to dwell in your midst")
* [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "God's Dwelling Place is with Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 85:9 offers profound encouragement and a clear challenge for believers today. It assures us that God's comprehensive salvation—His deliverance, healing, provision, and peace—is not a distant ideal but is ever-present and accessible to those who cultivate a genuine, reverential fear of Him. This "fear" is not terror but a humble awe that recognizes His sovereignty, holiness, and love, leading to a life of trust and obedience. The verse calls us to examine our hearts: do we truly reverence God in a way that shapes our daily choices and attitudes? When we align ourselves with His will, we create the spiritual conditions for His glory to manifest, not just in our individual lives but also in our families, communities, and nations. This isn't about earning salvation, but about living in a posture that allows us to receive and reflect His transformative presence, bringing His peace and righteousness into a broken world. It invites us to consider how our personal walk with God impacts the spiritual atmosphere of our surroundings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "fearing God" truly mean in my daily life, beyond mere intellectual assent, and how can I cultivate it more deeply?**
* **How does my personal reverence for God contribute to the manifestation of His glory in my community or "land," and what is my role in this?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I waiting for God's "salvation" or deliverance, and how can a posture of deeper reverence invite His proximity and intervention?**
* **How can I actively pursue God's glory dwelling in my sphere of influence, and what practical steps can I take to be an instrument of His presence?**

### FAQ
**What does "fear him" mean in the context of Psalms 85:9?**

Answer: In biblical language, "fear him" (Hebrew: *yârêʼ*) does not primarily mean to be terrified of God. Instead, it signifies a profound, reverential awe, respect, and worshipful submission to God. It's an acknowledgment of His immense power, holiness, and sovereignty, combined with a deep love and trust in His character. This kind of fear leads to obedience, humble devotion, and a desire to live in accordance with His will. It is the proper response of a creature to its Creator, recognizing God's authority and goodness, and it is often presented as the foundation of wisdom and true knowledge, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge") and [Psalms 111:10](/psalms/111-10 "Psalms 111:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom"). It is a fear that draws one closer to God, not away from Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 85:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's "salvation" made "nigh" to humanity. Through His incarnation, God's glory literally "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), bringing salvation not just to a land, but to all who believe, transcending national boundaries. Jesus perfectly exemplified the "fear of the Lord" through His absolute obedience to the Father, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). His atoning work brings God's salvation intimately close to every individual who trusts in Him, removing the barrier of sin and making reconciliation possible ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Furthermore, the "glory" that dwells in the "land" is now realized in the Church, the body of Christ, which is indwelt by the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You are God's Temple")), making believers living temples where God's presence abides. The eschatological hope of God's glory dwelling fully in the land is ultimately fulfilled in the new heavens and new earth, where God's dwelling place will be with man, and He will wipe away every tear ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Man")). Thus, Jesus is the means by which salvation became nigh, and through Him, God's glory now dwells among His redeemed people, anticipating the glorious consummation of His kingdom.

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

Isaiah 46:13

I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

Zechariah 2:5

For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.

John 7:17

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of myself.

Psalms 24:4

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

Psalms 24:5

He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Luke 2:32

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Zechariah 2:8

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.