Psalms - Chapter 85

Psalms 85.1 Lord, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. Psalms 85.2 Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah. Psalms 85.3 Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger. Psalms 85.4 Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease. Psalms 85.5 Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations? Psalms 85.6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? Psalms 85.7 Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation. Psalms 85.8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. Psalms 85.9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Psalms 85.10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Psalms 85.11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Psalms 85.12 Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Psalms 85.13 Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.

Psalms : Chapter 85

Psalm 85: A Prayer for National Restoration

Psalm 85 presents itself as a powerful prayer for the restoration of a people seeking spiritual and national renewal. Through its verses, we are invited to reflect on how God balances justice and mercy. This profound psalm recalls God's past favor toward his people, while pleading for a glorious and hopeful future.

The Encounter of Divine Attributes

The text of Psalm 85 offers a beautiful personification of the encounter between divine attributes, illustrating central themes such as repentance, forgiveness, revival, and the harmony between God's faithfulness and human obedience. These themes resonate particularly strongly during times of national unrest, offering a message of hope and comfort.

Meditating on Biblical Passages

To deepen our understanding of the themes of Psalm 85, let's meditate on five resonant biblical passages:

Ephesians 2:4-5

"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love for us, made us alive together with Christ, even when we were dead in transgressions—by grace you have been saved. »

This passage reflects the theme of divine restoration present in Psalm 85:1-3.

2 Corinthians 5:19

"In other words, God in Christ reconciled the world to himself, regardless of human sins, and entrusted us with the message of reconciliation. »

This verse echoes the theme of reconciliation between God and his people, which is also central to Psalm 85.

Micah 7:18-19

"Who is like you, O God, who forgives sin and overlooks the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not remain angry forever, but you love to show your love. Once again you will have compassion on us; You will walk over our iniquities and cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”

This passage illustrates the themes of forgiveness and restoration present in Psalm 85.

John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give it. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid. »

The peace Jesus speaks of reflects the theme of divine peace found in Psalm 85:8-10.

James 2:13

"For judgment without mercy will be visited upon those who have shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" »

This verse echoes the encounter between mercy and truth evoked in Psalm 85:10.

By meditating on these passages, we are encouraged to seek restoration in our lives and to turn to God with a repentant heart, in order to fully experience the grace and mercy He offers us.