Psalms 85

Psalms 85:1-13

a Prayer for the Nation Psalms 85:1-13 This psalm is the counterpart of Psa 80:1-19. There we see petitions ascending; here thanksgivings are returned. Evidently there had been granted some great national deliverance, which filled the land with thanksgiving. The restoration of the captives from Babylon was such an event; but the words well befit glad days of revival. They might have been sung on the first Easter day, when mercy and truth met at the Cross, and there was a bridal of the earth and sky. Reversed captivity, forgiven and buried sin, the dark clouds of estrangement dispelled, the speaking of peace-these are great themes and all have their counterparts in Christian experience. There is exquisite beauty in Psalms 85:10-11. What a meeting of the divine attributes! The Cross is their trysting-place. It resembles the family-gathering of brothers and sisters in the old homestead. Notice that heaven must combine with earth in the production of Christian grace. Truth can spring up in the soil of our heart only when righteousness looks down with benignant love from heaven. But she does even more-she shows us how to walk in the way of God’ s steps.

Mercy and truth There is no clue to the historical associations of this Psalm. The description of the distress through which the nation had been passing is quite general. It will, therefore fit all times of anxiety and depression.

We have first a description in seven verses of the long-protracted misery of the people. In the six remaining verses the strong expression of confidence of help and deliverance.

Psalms 85:1-3. Thou hast forgiven … iniquity The Psalmist recounts a former instance of God’s gracious intervention. In this he sets us an example which we may well follow. Our captivity may continue long, but it will be brought back. Iniquity may be aggravated, but it can be forgiven. And the forgiveness of God will cover sin, as the deluge the highest mountains. There is probably an allusion here (Psalms 85:3) to Exodus 32:12 : “turn from thy fierce wrath.”

Psalms 85:5. Wilt Thou be angry forever? God’s anger is short-lived where there is contrition (“For a moment " Psalms 30:5).

Psalms 85:6. Revive us again Spiritual revival is the indispensable condition of quickening and rejoicing.

Psalms 85:8. He will speak peace God ever “speaks peace” to his saints, though the world is in revolt (John 20:19-21). Note the recurring references to righteousness and peace (Hebrews 7:2).

Psalms 85:10. Mercy and truth are met Mercy and righteousness are on one side; truth and peace on the other. They seem going on different errands and in different directions. But they meet at the cross of Jesus. There we have “’the bridal of the earth and sky” (Isaiah 45:8).

Psalms 85:12. The Lord shall give good God gives nought but good and all good is from God (James 1:17).

Psalms 85:13. Righteousness shall go before Him Righteousness not only looked down from heaven, but, in the person of Jesus, it has trod our earth, leaving footprints for us to follow (1 Peter 2:21).