Psalms 85

¹ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.

² Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.

³ Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned [thyself] from the fierceness of thine anger.

⁴ Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease.

⁵ Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?

⁶ Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

⁷ Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.

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.

⁹ Surely his salvation [is] nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.

¹⁰ Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed [each other].

¹¹ Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

¹² Yea, the LORD shall give [that which is] good; and our land shall yield her increase.

¹³ Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set [us] in the way of his steps.

Overview of Psalm 85

Psalm 85 is a heartfelt prayer for restoration and revival, expressing a longing for God’s mercy and favor upon His people. It reflects on past deliverances and the hope for future salvation, emphasizing the relationship between divine grace and human response.

Structure of Psalm 85

The chapter can be divided into several key sections:

1. Remembrance of Past Mercies (Verses 1-3)
   • The psalmist recalls God’s previous kindness and forgiveness towards Israel.
   • Emphasis on God’s restoration of the land and the people.
2. Petition for Renewal (Verses 4-7)
   • A call for God to restore the people once again.
   • Recognition of the need for repentance and divine intervention.
3. Assurance of God’s Response (Verses 8-9)
   • Expectation that God will speak peace to His people.
   • Hope that salvation is near for those who fear Him.
4. Vision of Future Glory (Verses 10-13)
   • Imagery of harmony between righteousness and peace.
   • Anticipation of God’s blessings and the flourishing of the land.

Thematic Analysis

Psalm 85 encompasses several prominent themes:

• Restoration and Redemption

  The psalmist expresses a deep desire for God to restore His people, highlighting the need for redemption from their current state.

• Divine Mercy

  The chapter emphasizes God’s merciful nature and the importance of seeking His forgiveness.

• Hope and Anticipation

  There is a strong sense of hope that God will respond to the prayers of His people, bringing peace and salvation.

• Human Response

  The psalm illustrates the necessity of repentance and a humble heart in receiving God’s grace.

Literary Devices

Psalm 85 employs various literary devices to enhance its message:

• Imagery

  Vivid images of restoration, peace, and righteousness create a powerful vision of what the psalmist desires for the future.

• Parallelism

  The use of parallel structures in verses reinforces key ideas and emphasizes the relationship between God’s actions and human responses.

• Metaphor

  Metaphorical language is used to depict the harmony between righteousness and peace, suggesting a divine order that is to be restored.

Theological Implications

Psalm 85 raises important theological considerations:

• The Nature of God

  The psalm affirms God’s character as merciful and just, highlighting His willingness to forgive and restore.

• The Role of Humanity

  It underscores the necessity of human repentance and the active pursuit of a relationship with God.

• Hope for the Future

  The text instills a sense of hope that God’s promises of restoration and peace will ultimately be fulfilled.

Conclusion

Psalm 85 serves as a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of sin, repentance, and restoration. It invites readers to reflect on their own relationship with God, encouraging a posture of humility and a longing for divine mercy. The psalm encapsulates the essence of the human experience in seeking reconciliation with the Creator, offering both a plea for help and a confident expectation of God’s faithfulness.