Psalm 85

1. 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.

Psalm 85 is a prayer of the Israelites seeking God’s continued favor and restoration. The psalm begins with a remembrance of God’s past mercies and deliverances, acknowledging His forgiveness and the removal of His wrath. This historical perspective sets the stage for a plea for renewed divine intervention.

The psalmist implores God to turn His anger away and revive the people, so that they may once again rejoice in Him. This revival is seen as crucial for the community’s spiritual and emotional well-being. The plea for mercy and salvation underscores the people’s dependence on God’s grace.

The psalmist expresses a willingness to listen to God’s voice, anticipating a message of peace for His people and saints. There is a conditional warning, however, that they must not return to folly, highlighting the importance of obedience and righteousness in maintaining God’s favor.

The imagery of mercy and truth meeting together, and righteousness and peace kissing each other, paints a picture of divine harmony and balance. This poetic expression emphasizes the ideal relationship between God and His people, where divine qualities complement and enhance each other.

The promise of truth springing from the earth and righteousness looking down from heaven suggests a holistic vision of restoration and prosperity. This vision is tied to the belief that God will provide what is good, leading to the land’s fertility and productivity.

The final verse envisions a future where righteousness leads the way, guiding the people in God’s paths. This sets a hopeful tone, suggesting that adherence to God’s ways will result in continued blessings and alignment with His divine purposes.

Overall, Psalm 85 is a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking God’s mercy and striving for righteousness to enjoy His peace and blessings.