Psalms 85

’ To the chief Musician. A Psalm for the Sons of Korah. It is thought by many, that this Psalm was composed by some of the sons of Korah, after David’s banishment from Jerusalem by his son Absalom, (called a captivity,. as we read Psal. xiv. wft.) and his happy restoration to his kingdom; though not to such a settlement as they desired. But it may be as w r ell, or better, applied to the miraculous providence which drove Sennacherib out of the land, (who had taken many captives, Isa. v. 13.) and restored them to the happy liberty, whose, loss they bewailed in the Psalm foregoing. Which way soever we understand it, the composure is such, that it might be much better used by them after their return from the captivity of Babylon, than at any other time: when they were infested with many enemies, who disturbed the peaceable enjoyment of their country and religion. And therefore it is possible it might be reviewed, if not made, in those days, and delivered to the chief master of music in the temple, to be sung presently after the foundation of it was laid, (Ezra iii. 10, 11, &c.) but the work hindered from proceeding by the opposition of their enemies. And so I shall interpret it. [rSALM LXXXVI.

Psalms 85:1

JLsORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. Thou hast been exceeding kind unto us, O Lord; and we most thankfully acknowledge the favour thou hast done us: in delivering us, the posterity of Jacob, out of our sad captivity; and restoring us to the land in which thou thyself hast chosen to dwell, (Ezra i.)

Psalms 85:2

Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people: thou hast covered all their sin. Selah. Our sins kept us from it, in banishment, a long time; but now thou hast graciously pardoned both our idolatry, and all the other crimes for which we justly suffered…

Psalms 85:3

TIiou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger. Thouhast put an end to the sore punishments which in thy heavy displeasure thou inflictedst on us: and turned thy severity, which, like fire, had almost consumed us, into great clemency and mercy towards us.

Psalms 85:4

Turn its, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger towards us Jo cease. Complete, good Lord, our deliverance, which thou hast thus graciously begun: and let not our ingratitude provoke thee to continue this new vexation and trouble that is befallen us, (Ezra iv. 4, 5.

Psalms 85:5

JVilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?. Which forced us. to sigh, and say, in the anguish of our souls, Will there never be an end of our miseries? Is it not enough that the foregoing generation hath felt the sad effects of thine anger, but it must extend itself to us also, and our posterity?

Psalms 85:6

Wilt thoti not revive us again, that thy people may rejoice in thee?. Will it not be more for thy honour, not only to preserve this feeble life which thou hast bestowed on us, but to give us a perfect recovery? that thy people may have nothing to damp their joy and entire satisfaction in thy goodness to them.

Psalms 85:7

Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation. Make us so happy,. good Lord; and, though we deserve, indeed, to be more, miserable than we are, yet let thy mercy prevail with thee to grant us a complete deliverance. Ver. S. I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he xvill speak peace unto his people, and to his saints; but let them not turn again to folly.] I will wait patiently upon the Lord, the judge of the world, for a gracious answer to these prayers; hoping that he will not condemn us to farther punishment; but settle his people, who devoutly worship him, in a prosperous tranquillity; provided they return not again to their old idolatry.

Psalms 85:9

Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. He will be so far from deserting those who fear to offend him; that I am confident the time approaches, when he will finish what he hath begun to do for us, in rebuilding our temple, (Ezra v. 2. 8. vi. 7, 8, &c.) and restoring our country to its ancient dignity and splendour.

Psalms 85:10

Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. For, methinks, I see goodness and fidelity, justice and concord (which, are the principal glory of a kingdom),meeting together, like ancient friends, which have been long absent, and embracing each other.

Psalms 85:11

Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down front heaven J\ And, as truth and honesty, with all other virtues, shall grow and flourish among us (like flowers and herbs in the spring, after a tedious winter), so God shall faithfully fulfil his promises to us, and exercise a most gracious providence over us.

Psalms 85:12

Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Yea, the Lord will do us good beyond our expectation: and reward our fruitfulnesfc in good works, with such a large and plentiful increase of the fruits of the earth, as shall demonstrate the bounty of heaven to u$.

Psalms 85:13

Righteousness shall go before him, and shall set us in the way of his steps.) lie will govern us with great justice and mercy; having his faithful promises always before his eyes: from that rule he will never swerve; but steadfastly proceed by it, as the constant method he will hold in his Diviue administrations.