# Overview Psalm 85 is a heartfelt prayer and a deep expression of hope for #restoration and #forgiveness from #God. The psalmist begins by recalling a time when #God showed favor to the land of #Israel, restoring the fortunes of #Jacob, forgiving the iniquity of His people, and covering all their sins. This memory of divine favor and mercy serves as a foundation for the present plea. The psalmist implores God to turn His anger away and grant salvation once more, asking for revival so that God's people may rejoice in Him. The emphasis on #mercy and #salvation underscores the confidence in God's unchanging character and His willingness to renew His covenant with His people. The latter part of the psalm transitions into a prophetic vision of #peace and #righteousness. The psalmist anticipates a time when God's steadfast love and faithfulness will meet, and righteousness and peace will kiss each other. This poetic imagery conveys a harmonious relationship between divine attributes and the restoration of God's favor. The psalmist expresses a hope that truth will spring up from the earth and righteousness will look down from heaven, resulting in a fruitful land blessed by God's goodness. This vision not only serves as a source of comfort but also as a reminder of the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises to His people. ## Theological Insights Psalm 85 is a profound expression of hope and restoration, deeply rooted in the #covenantal relationship between #God and #Israel. It reflects the community's longing for divine intervention and renewal, emphasizing the importance of #repentance and #faith. The chapter provides rich theological insights into the nature of God's #mercy, #righteousness, and steadfast #love. 1. **God's Past Faithfulness and Restoration**: The psalm begins by recalling God's past deeds of salvation and restoration for #Israel, highlighting His graciousness and favor (Psalm 85:1-3). This remembrance serves as an anchor for the community's current plea, reminding them of God's unchanging nature. The historical events of deliverance are paralleled in texts like [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 14]] and [[Nehemiah/Nehemiah Chapter 9]], where God's intervention is evident. 2. **Petition for Renewal and Salvation**: Verses 4-7 contain a heartfelt petition for God to restore His people once more, demonstrating the belief in God's ability to bring back life and joy. The psalmist's plea is reminiscent of the prophetic calls for repentance and divine renewal found in passages like [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 40]] and [[Hosea/Hosea Chapter 6]], underscoring the necessity of turning back to God for true revival. 3. **Divine Attributes of Mercy and Truth**: The psalm beautifully describes God's attributes in verses 10-11, where mercy (hesed) and truth (emet) meet together, and righteousness and peace kiss each other. This poetic imagery illustrates the harmonious nature of God's character and His dealings with humanity. The convergence of these attributes is also echoed in the life and ministry of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], as seen in the New Testament, particularly in [[John/John Chapter 1|John 1:14]]. 4. **Anticipation of God's Righteousness and Provision**: The closing verses (12-13) express confidence in God's provision and His righteous path for His people. The imagery of the land yielding its increase suggests a return to #Edenic abundance, signifying physical and spiritual blessings. This theme is mirrored in promises of restoration and peace found in [[Joel/Joel Chapter 2]] and [[Amos/Amos Chapter 9]], where future hope is tied to God's faithfulness. Psalm 85 thus encapsulates a theology of hope rooted in God's steadfast love and righteousness, inviting believers to trust in His enduring promises and to seek His face for renewal and restoration. The psalm serves as a timeless reminder of the transformative power of divine grace and the assurance of God's faithful presence throughout the journey of faith. ## Thematic Connections ### Restoration and Favor Psalm 85 begins with a plea for the restoration of #Israel, recalling God's past mercies and favor. This theme of divine restoration is echoed in other scriptures where God restores His people after a period of judgment or exile, such as in [[Ezra/Ezra Chapter 1]] when the Israelites return to their land, or [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 40]] where comfort and pardon are promised to Jerusalem. This theme underscores the enduring hope that God will again show His favor and restore what has been lost. ### Righteousness and Peace In #Psalm85, there is a vivid depiction of righteousness and peace kissing each other (verse 10). This imagery is a profound expression of the harmony between God's justice and His peace, a theme mirrored in the prophecy of the #Messiah, who is called the "Prince of Peace" in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 9]]. The connection is further seen in [[Romans/Romans Chapter 5]], where through Jesus' sacrifice, believers are justified and find peace with God. ### Divine Mercy and Truth The psalmist speaks of mercy and truth meeting together (verse 10), illustrating God's faithful love and commitment to truth. This thematic element is seen throughout scripture, such as in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 34]], where God is described as "abounding in love and faithfulness." In the New Testament, this is embodied in [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], who is described as being "full of grace and truth" in [[John/John Chapter 1]]. ### The Land Yielding Its Increase The promise that "the land will yield its increase" (verse 12) highlights the blessing of land and abundance as a result of God's favor. This theme is prevalent in the Old Testament, as seen in the blessings promised to #Israel for obedience in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 28]]. It reflects the idea that spiritual renewal and divine favor lead to physical blessings and prosperity, as seen in [[Joel/Joel Chapter 2]], where God promises to restore the years that the locust has eaten. ### God's Presence and Salvation The desire for God's presence and salvation is central to #Psalm85, reflecting a theme found throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. The cry for revival and the assurance of God's saving power resonate with verses like [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 80]], which also pleads for God's shining face and salvation. This longing for divine presence is ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament through the presence of the Holy Spirit and the salvation offered in Christ. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### Restoration and Favor Psalm 85 speaks of God's restoration and favor upon the land, which echoes the prophetic hope found in texts like [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 40|Isaiah 40:1-2]], where God promises comfort and restoration to His people. The plea for God’s mercy and revival in verses 4-7 resonates with the prophetic theme of God returning to bless His people, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the coming of #Christ, who embodies God's mercy and salvation. ### Righteousness and Peace In Psalm 85:10, it is written, "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." This verse prophetically points to the reconciliation brought through [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], who is our peace, as referenced in [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 2|Ephesians 2:14-17]]. Through Jesus, the righteousness of God and peace with humanity are realized, fulfilling the ancient hope of divine harmony. ### The Coming Salvation The anticipation of God's saving work in Psalm 85:9, "Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him," finds its prophetic fulfillment in the New Testament declaration of salvation through [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. This aligns with prophecies such as [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 52|Isaiah 52:7]], which speak of the good news of salvation and the arrival of God's reign through the Messiah. ### Glory Dwelling in the Land Verse 9 also speaks of God's glory dwelling in the land, which prophetically aligns with the promise of God's presence among His people. This is fulfilled in [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], who is described as the #Word made flesh, dwelling among us, full of grace and truth, as noted in [[John/John Chapter 1|John 1:14]]. The glory of God in Jesus’ incarnation is the ultimate realization of God's glory dwelling with humanity. ### Truth and Righteousness The depiction of truth springing from the earth and righteousness looking down from heaven (Psalm 85:11) prophetically points to the harmonious relationship between divine truth and righteousness brought by #Christ. This is seen in the fulfillment of God's promises through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, who is the embodiment of truth and righteousness, as emphasized in [[John/John Chapter 14|John 14:6]] and [[Romans/Romans Chapter 3|Romans 3:21-22]]. ## Verses - **Psalms 85:1** - "Lord, you poured out blessings on your land! You restored the fortunes of #Israel." - **Psalms 85:2** - "You forgave the guilt of your people—yes, you covered all their sins. Interlude." - **Psalms 85:3** - "You held back your fury. You kept back your blazing anger." - **Psalms 85:4** - "Now restore us again, O God of our salvation. Put aside your anger against us once more." - **Psalms 85:5** - "Will you be angry with us always? Will you prolong your wrath to all generations?" - **Psalms 85:6** - "Won’t you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you?" - **Psalms 85:7** - "Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation." - **Psalms 85:8** - "I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways." - **Psalms 85:9** - "Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, so our land will be filled with his glory." - **Psalms 85:10** - "Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed!" - **Psalms 85:11** - "Truth springs up from the earth, and righteousness smiles down from heaven." - **Psalms 85:12** - "Yes, the Lord pours down his blessings. Our land will yield its bountiful harvest." - **Psalms 85:13** - "Righteousness goes as a herald before him, preparing the way for his steps."