Psalms 85 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalms 85 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

This psalm is not explicitly tied to a single event. However, early references connect the Lord's forgiveness to the restoration of Israel. This may suggest the return from captivity as described in the book of Ezra. The Sons of Korah are also mentioned in psalms 42, 44—49, 84, and 87—88. This group was influential in worship in the temple during the era of David and Solomon. They may have been descendants of an infamous family punished during the exodus from Egypt (Numbers 26:9–11).

First, the psalmist connects the Lord's forgiveness and mercy with a restoration of the land of Israel. This rejuvenation of the nation of Israel may point to a time after the Babylonian exile (Ezra 2:1). Psalms set during times of suffering often speak of God's continuing wrath and anger against His people (Psalm 79:5; 80:4). Here, it seems that recovery from misfortune is associated with His compassion (Psalm 85:1–3).

Next, the song asks the Lord to repeat the previous blessing. This passage uses terms such as "restore," "salvation," and "revive." Israel's history was filled with cycles of faith, rebellion, suffering, and restoration (Judges 2:16–19). The psalmist may see this pattern beginning again; that may include sin as well as its consequences for the nation. The prayer here is for the Lord to forgive the people's sins and bring them back into fellowship with Him (Psalm 85:4–7).

Finally, there is a promise to hear God's word. This comes with an expectation of the Lord's blessing. This segment depicts intersections between some of God's attributes, such as lovingkindness, faithfulness or truth (NASB), righteousness, and peace. The idea of righteousness and peace "kissing" forms a word-picture of Christ's eventual work as the perfect sacrifice. In response to sin, God's perfect justice and His perfect love intersect at exactly one place: the cross where Jesus paid for humanity's sins (Romans 5:8; Hebrews 10:12–14). The psalm doesn't directly speak of the Messiah, but it foreshadows an important facet of His ministry (Psalm 85:8–13).

Psalm 85:1–3 refers to God's chosen people as His "land" and by mentioning Israel's patriarch, Jacob (Genesis 32:28). This may be looking into the past at a prior event or something current. In either case, it may refer to how God brought the exiled Israelites home from Babylon after seventy years of captivity (Jeremiah 25:11). The next section seems to pray that the Lord would repeat this work of forgiveness and restoration.

Psalm 85:4–7 asks God to once again apply mercy and revival to the people of Israel. This suggests a song written well after the initial restoration—which may have been at the return from exile (Jeremiah 25:11). Israel had an unfortunate habit of spiraling into idolatry (Judges 2:16–19); perhaps the psalmist sensed this this was happening again.

Psalm 85:8–13 promises to listen closely to God's words. The first sections of this psalm suggest a prayer to heal a backsliding nation. God had forgiven and restored Israel once before (Psalm 85:1–3). There is an appeal for the Lord to do this once again (Psalm 85:4–7). In the closing section, the psalmist depicts an intersection between God's attributes of love and righteousness leading to a blessing on Israel.

Chapter Summary:

This psalm looks back to a time when God forgave Israel and restored them. Perhaps during a new time of backsliding, the psalmist prays that the Lord would repeat this work of healing. The song ends with a hopeful description of God's encouraging attributes and an assumption that He will answer these prayers.

Chapter Context:

No specific event is associated with this psalm. However, mentions of forgiveness and restoration suggest the initial return from foreign captivity. Israel was captured because of their sin (Lamentations 1:5; Jeremiah 25:11) but God promised a return (Ezekiel 37:1–14). Stages of Israel's return are recorded in the book of Ezra. Another possibility is that the psalmist looks back on the return from exile and prays for God to work a similar miracle in the people's hearts once again. Other psalms labeled with the "Sons of Korah" are 42, 44—49, 84, and 87—88.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

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