Psalms 85
Psalm 85 is a psalm in which the Israelite community pleads for God’s mercy and forgiveness, expressing hope for restoration and peace. Overall, it can be divided into four parts. First, they recall God’s grace shown in the past (verses 1–3) and offer thanks, then they openly appeal to God about present hardships (verses 4–7). After that, confidence in God’s response is expressed (verses 8–9) , and finally the song celebrates the promise of salvation and peace (verses 10–13). The psalmist remembers past restoration, and once again earnestly seeks mercy and peace, earnestly desiring a right relationship with God.
1verseFor the Chief Musician. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. LORD, you have been favorable to your land. You have restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2verseYou have forgiven the iniquity of your people. You have covered all their sin. Selah.
3verseYou have taken away all your wrath. You have turned from the fierceness of your anger.
4verseTurn us, God of our salvation, and cause your indignation toward us to cease.
5verseWill you be angry with us forever? Will you draw out your anger to all generations?
6verseWon’t you revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?
7verseShow us your loving kindness, LORD. Grant us your salvation.
8verseI will hear what God, the LORD, will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, his saints; but let them not turn again to folly.
9verseSurely his salvation is near those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.
10verseMercy and truth meet together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11verseTruth springs out of the earth. Righteousness has looked down from heaven.
12verseYes, the LORD will give that which is good. Our land will yield its increase.
13verseRighteousness goes before him, and prepares the way for his steps.
Summary of the Main Text
| Division | Content |
|---|---|
| Verses 1–3 | Gratitude for the grace and forgiveness given to the ancestors |
| Verses 4–7 | A plea to turn back from present suffering and God’s wrath |
| Verses 8–9 | Listening to God’s word that answers prayer, and the result (how close salvation is) |
| Verses 10–13 | Hope and a prophetic declaration for a new era where peace, truth, and love come together |
The Whole Message and Its Meaning
Psalm 85 emphasizes that God’s salvation and peace are not something limited to the past; even within present suffering and hardship, hope can arise again. The psalmist pleads on the basis of God’s faithfulness and mercy, expecting God’s gracious restoration even in the current crisis. It also declares that when God’s people turn their hearts back toward God, an abundant era of restoration will come in which righteousness and peace, truth and love meet.
Points for Reflection
- As you remember God’s grace from the past, are you praying honestly about your present problems based on God’s mercy?
- Do you trust that, within God’s will, justice, love, and peace will be fulfilled?
Apply It to Me
- Look back and remember the love and salvation of God that you experienced in the past in your life.
- Let us speak honestly to God about the difficulties and concerns we are facing now.
- Let us hope that God will pour out restoration and peace once again upon me and our community, and let us practice living in a restored, right relationship with God.
