Psalm 85 is a profound and timeless prayer that captures the heart of God’s people longing for restoration, forgiveness, and revival. Attributed to the sons of Korah, this psalm blends gratitude for past mercies with a fervent plea for renewed divine favor. Its rich imagery and theological depth make it a powerful scripture for personal reflection and communal worship. This article explores Psalm 85 in detail, unpacking its historical context, verse-by-verse meaning, and enduring spiritual significance.
Historical Context of Psalm 85
Psalm 85 likely arose during national distress after the Israelites’ return from Babylon in the 5th century B.C. Despite God’s deliverance, they faced opposition and hardship. Scholars like Maclaren link it to Nehemiah’s rebuilding of Jerusalem. Jewish tradition sees it as a prophetic prayer for ultimate redemption through the Messiah.
The psalm is a communal lament with three parts: recalling past blessings (1-3), pleading for renewal (4-7), and anticipating God’s peace (8-13). Its vivid metaphors, like righteousness and peace kissing, make it timeless in biblical worship.
Verse-by-Verse Analysis of Psalm 85
Verses 1-3: Remembering God’s Past Mercies
“You, LORD, showed favor to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger.” (NIV)
These opening verses recount God’s historical acts of grace toward Israel. The phrase “showed favor to your land” recalls the restoration of the land after exile, a tangible sign of God’s covenant love. “Restored the fortunes of Jacob” suggests both physical return and spiritual renewal, as seen in Ezra 2:1. The forgiveness of iniquity and covering of sins evoke the imagery of the Day of Atonement, where sins were symbolically removed through sacrifice. Commentators like Charles Spurgeon note the completeness of this forgiveness, with “all their sins” covered, pointing to the ultimate atonement through Christ (Hebrews 10:10).
The phrase “set aside all your wrath” highlights God’s mercy in relenting from judgment. The Hebrew word for “wrath” (qetseph) conveys intense divine anger, yet God’s turning away signifies reconciliation. The word “Selah” invites pause, encouraging reflection on God’s past faithfulness as the foundation for present hope.
Verses 4-7: A Plea for Renewed Restoration
“Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us. Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, LORD, and grant us your salvation.” (NIV)
Here, the tone shifts to an urgent prayer for revival. The repeated call to “restore us” (Hebrew: shub) echoes the earlier restoration but acknowledges ongoing struggles. The psalmist pleads for God to “put away your displeasure,” recognizing that sin has strained the covenant relationship. The rhetorical questions—“Will you be angry forever?”—express both desperation and trust, recalling Israel’s cycles of rebellion and restoration (Judges 2:16-19).
The request to “revive us again” is a heartfelt cry for spiritual renewal. The Hebrew word for “revive” (chayah) implies bringing back to life, suggesting a nation spiritually dormant. Commentator James Boice emphasizes that revival is God’s work, not human effort, yet prayer is the catalyst. The plea for “unfailing love” (chesed) and “salvation” (yeshua) underscores God’s covenant promises, fulfilled ultimately in Jesus, the source of eternal salvation.
Verses 8-13: Anticipating God’s Promised Peace
“I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—but let them not turn back to folly. Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.” (NIV)
The psalmist now turns to hope, resolving to “listen” for God’s voice. The promise of “peace” (shalom) encompasses wholeness and harmony, offered to those who remain faithful and avoid “folly” (sinful rebellion). Salvation’s nearness to those who “fear him” reflects reverence for God, ensuring His glory dwells in the land, a theme echoed in Zechariah 2:5.
Verses 10-11 are among the most poetic in scripture, personifying divine attributes: “Love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss.” These images depict the harmony of God’s character, where mercy and justice converge. Jewish tradition, as noted in Midrash Tehillim, sees this as a dialogue among angels debating human creation, resolved by God’s grace. Christian commentators view it as a foreshadowing of the cross, where Christ’s sacrifice reconciled God’s justice and love (Romans 5:8).
The agricultural imagery in verses 12-13—“the land will yield its harvest”—symbolizes God’s provision and blessing. “Righteousness goes before him” suggests God’s justice paving the way for His presence, a messianic hope fulfilled in Christ’s earthly ministry.
Theological Themes in Psalm 85
God’s Forgiveness and Mercy
Psalm 85 emphasizes God’s willingness to forgive and cover sin completely. The language of “covering” and “taking away wrath” points to atonement, fulfilled in Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12). This theme reassures believers that no sin is beyond God’s grace when approached with repentance.
The Call for Revival
The psalm’s plea for revival resonates with churches today. Revival begins with acknowledging spiritual need and seeking God’s intervention. As Boice notes, the context of past blessings (verses 1-3) informs the prayer for renewal, reminding believers to ground their hope in God’s proven faithfulness.
The Harmony of God’s Attributes
The poetic imagery of love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace meeting reflects the unity of God’s character. This balance is most fully revealed in the gospel, where divine justice and mercy intersect at the cross. The psalm invites meditation on God’s holistic nature, encouraging trust in His perfect plan.
Practical Applications of Psalm 85
Personal Reflection and Prayer
Psalm 85 is a model for personal prayer, blending gratitude, confession, and supplication. Believers can reflect on God’s past faithfulness in their lives, confess areas of spiritual dryness, and seek renewal through the Holy Spirit. Journaling specific instances of God’s mercy can deepen this practice.
Communal Worship
In corporate settings, Psalm 85 can inspire prayers for church revival and national restoration. Its themes of peace and righteousness resonate in intercessory prayer for communities facing division or hardship. Worship leaders might incorporate its verses into liturgies or songs, as seen in historical hymns like Paul Gerhardt’s “Herr, der du vormals hast dein Land.”
Hope in Adversity
The psalm’s assurance of God’s nearness offers comfort in trials. By focusing on His promises of peace and provision, believers can find strength to persevere, trusting that God’s glory will dwell in their lives despite challenges.
Psalm 85 in Christian Tradition
Psalm 85 has left a rich legacy in Christian worship. Its opening verses are used as an introit for Gaudete Sunday in Advent, signaling joy in Christ’s coming. The phrase “Show us your mercy” appears in the Tridentine Mass, underscoring its liturgical significance.Artists from Tiepolo to John August Swanson have portrayed its imagery of virtues uniting. The psalm’s call for peace has also inspired nonviolent movements, as noted in a 1993 U.S. Catholic bishops’ document.
Why Psalm 85 Matters Today
Psalm 85 speaks powerfully to contemporary audiences, offering hope in a world marked by conflict and spiritual apathy. Its call to remember God’s faithfulness encourages believers to anchor their faith in His unchanging character.Psalm 85 calls churches to seek God’s renewal, pursue justice and peace, trust His mercy, and await His glory.
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Conclusion
Psalm 85 is a timeless prayer that weaves together gratitude, supplication, and hope. Its vivid imagery and theological richness make it a treasure for believers seeking God’s restoration. By remembering past mercies, pleading for revival, and anticipating divine peace, the psalm guides us into deeper communion with God. As we meditate on its words, may we, like the sons of Korah, listen for God’s voice and trust in His unfailing love.