Psalms Chapter 85 — A Prayer for Restoration
This psalm is a prayer for God to restore His people, asking Him to turn away His anger and revive the land with mercy and truth.
1LORD, you have been favorable to your land.
2You have forgiven the iniquity of your people.
3You have taken away all your wrath.
4Turn us, God of our salvation,
5Will you be angry with us forever?
6Won’t you revive us again,
7Show us your loving kindness, LORD.
8I will hear what God, the LORD, will speak,
9Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
10Mercy and truth meet together.
11Truth springs out of the earth.
12Yes, the LORD will give that which is good.
13Righteousness goes before him,
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Psalms 85:6
“Won’t you revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”
This verse is a classic prayer for spiritual and communal renewal.
Psalms 85:10
“Mercy and truth meet together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”
This verse illustrates the perfect harmony of God's character and His dealings with humanity.
Chapter Summary
Psalm 85 begins by acknowledging God's past favor toward the land and His forgiveness of the people's iniquities. The psalmist then pivots to a prayer for present restoration, asking God to turn from His anger and revive the people so they may rejoice. It expresses a desire to hear what God will speak, affirming that His salvation is near those who fear Him. The chapter concludes with a poetic description of a harmonious state where mercy and truth meet, and righteousness and peace kiss each other. It depicts a future where truth springs from the earth and the Lord provides what is good, leading to a path of righteousness that goes before Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main theme is the restoration of God's favor and the reconciliation between God and His people. It focuses on the hope that God will revive his followers and replace His anger with loving kindness.
In verse 10, this phrase suggests a state of perfect balance where God's compassion and His absolute truth coexist. It implies that God's forgiveness does not compromise His holiness, and His truth is tempered with mercy.
The psalm is attributed to the sons of Korah. The speaker represents the community, acknowledging past blessings while pleading for God's help in their current situation.
Study Note
Psalm 85 is often categorized as a communal lament or a prayer for national restoration, likely written after a period of exile or distress.
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