◄ Psalm 85 ►
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Summary You Showed Favor to Your Land Psalm 85 invites us to recall God's past mercies, pray for His forgiveness and guidance, and anticipate His promised peace with eager faith. It beautifully illustrates the harmony of God's love and justice, leading us to meditate on the attributes of God, encouraging us to trust in His timing and His unfailing love. Verses 1-3: Remembering God's Past Mercy The Psalm starts with a reflection on the past, acknowledging God's previous acts of forgiveness and mercy towards Israel. The Psalmist recalls how God's anger had been appeased and his wrath diverted away from them. Verses 4-7: Prayer for Renewed Mercy The psalmist then pleads with God to restore the nation once more. The speaker calls upon God's unfailing love, imploring for salvation and mercy in their time of distress. Verses 8-9: Listening for God's Promise These verses depict the Psalmist's attentiveness to God's words, eagerly waiting to hear His promise of peace. There is an affirmation of faith, that salvation is near to those who revere God, and His glory will dwell in their land. Verses 10-13: Celebration of God’s Attributes The final verses are a beautiful poetic description of God's perfect attributes – His love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace. They envision a world where these attributes converge, and the Psalmist rejoices in the hope that God will again bring prosperity to His people. Psalm 85 is a poignant and hopeful prayer from the psalmist on behalf of the nation of Israel. It is a profound reflection on God's mercy, the people's repentance, and the divine promise of restoration. This psalm draws us into a thoughtful meditation on the harmony of God's love and justice, offering a message that still resonates with believers today. Teaching Points God's Past Faithfulness The psalm begins by recalling God's past deeds. You showed favor to Your land, O LORD; You restored Jacob from captivity (Psalm 85:1). This sets the foundation for the psalmist's confidence in God's ability to act again. A Plea for Restoration The psalmist urgently requests God's intervention: Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away Your displeasure toward us (Psalm 85:4). This highlights the importance of seeking God's mercy in times of distress. The Promise of Peace The psalmist expresses hope in God's promise: I will listen to what God the LORD will say; for He will surely speak peace to His people and His saints (Psalm 85:8). This emphasizes the assurance of God's peace for those who turn to Him. Righteousness and Peace Kiss The psalm beautifully describes the meeting of righteousness and peace: Loving devotion and faithfulness have joined together; righteousness and peace have kissed (Psalm 85:10). This imagery underscores the harmony that comes from God's presence. God's Salvation and Glory The psalm concludes with a vision of God's salvation and glory: Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land (Psalm 85:9). This points to the ultimate hope of God's kingdom. Practical Applications Reflect on God's Past Mercies Take time to remember and thank God for His past faithfulness in your life. Let this remembrance fuel your faith in His present and future provision. Pray for Restoration In times of personal or communal distress, boldly ask God for restoration and renewal, trusting in His power to transform situations. Seek God's Peace Actively listen for God's voice and seek His peace in your daily life. Allow His promises to guide your actions and decisions. Pursue Righteousness Strive to live a life marked by righteousness and peace, reflecting the character of God in your interactions with others. Hope in God's Salvation Keep your eyes fixed on the hope of God's ultimate salvation and glory, allowing this hope to sustain you through challenges. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The central figure in the psalm, referred to as the one who has shown favor to the land and restored the fortunes of Jacob. The Hebrew root for LORD is "YHWH," which is the covenant name of God. 2. The People of Israel Implicitly referenced as the recipients of God's favor and forgiveness. They are the community seeking restoration and revival. The Hebrew term often used for the people is "Israel" (יִשְׂרָאֵל). 3. The Psalmist While not named, the author of the psalm is a person who intercedes on behalf of the people, asking for God's mercy and salvation. The psalmist acts as a representative voice for the community. Places 1. Land of Israel The Psalm speaks of God's favor and restoration to the land, which is understood to be the land of Israel. The Hebrew word for land, "אֶרֶץ" (eretz), is often used to refer to the physical land promised to the Israelites. 2. Heaven The Psalm implies a heavenly realm where God's glory and righteousness originate. This is inferred from the language of divine attributes descending to earth, suggesting a heavenly source. 3. Earth The Psalm contrasts the divine attributes of heaven with their manifestation on earth. The Hebrew word "אֶרֶץ" (eretz) is again relevant here, indicating the physical world where God's truth and righteousness are realized. Events 1. Remembrance of Past Favor (Verses 1-3) The psalmist recalls God's past mercies, stating, "You showed favor to Your land, O LORD; You restored Jacob from captivity." The Hebrew word for "restored" (שׁוּב, shuv) implies a return to a previous state of blessing. 2. Forgiveness of Iniquity (Verse 2) The psalmist acknowledges God's forgiveness, saying, "You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin." The term "forgave" (נָשָׂא, nasa) suggests lifting or carrying away sin. 3. Cessation of Wrath (Verse 3) The psalmist notes that God "withdrew all Your fury; You turned from Your burning anger." The Hebrew root for "withdrew" (אָסַף, asaph) conveys the idea of gathering or removing wrath. 4. Petition for Restoration (Verses 4-7) A plea is made for God to "restore us again, O God of our salvation," and to "put away Your displeasure toward us." The request for restoration (שׁוּב, shuv) echoes the earlier remembrance of God's past acts. 5. Questioning of Prolonged Anger (Verse 5) The psalmist questions, "Will You be angry with us forever? Will You draw out Your anger to all generations?" This reflects a desire for reconciliation and peace. 6. Hope for Revival (Verse 6) The psalmist expresses hope, asking, "Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?" The word "revive" (חָיָה, chayah) indicates bringing back to life or restoring vitality. 7. Request for Mercy and Salvation (Verse 7) A direct appeal is made: "Show us Your loving devotion, O LORD, and grant us Your salvation." The term "loving devotion" (חֶסֶד, chesed) is a key Hebrew concept denoting steadfast love and mercy. 8. Promise of Peace (Verses 8-9) The psalmist listens for God's response, anticipating peace: "He will surely speak peace to His people and His saints." The Hebrew word for "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) encompasses completeness and well-being. 9. Nearness of Salvation (Verse 9) The psalmist declares, "Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land." The proximity of salvation (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshuah) is linked to reverence for God. 10. Union of Mercy and Truth (Verses 10-11) The psalmist poetically describes, "Loving devotion and truth have joined together; righteousness and peace have kissed." This imagery highlights the harmonious relationship between divine attributes. 11. Blessings of the Land (Verses 12-13) The psalm concludes with a vision of prosperity: "The LORD will indeed provide what is good, and our land will yield its increase." The Hebrew word for "increase" (יְבוּל, yebul) refers to fruitful produce. Connections to Additional Scriptures 2 Chronicles 7:14 And My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. Isaiah 57:19 Bringing words of praise to their lips. 'Peace, peace to those far and near,' says the LORD, 'and I will heal them.' Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for God's Faithfulness Praise God for His past mercies and faithfulness in your life and community. Intercession for Restoration Pray for areas in your life, church, or nation that need God's restorative touch. Petition for Peace Ask God to speak His peace into your heart and circumstances, and for His peace to reign in the world. Commitment to Righteousness Seek God's help in living a life that reflects His righteousness and peace. Hope in Salvation Pray for a renewed hope in God's salvation and for His glory to be revealed in your life and community. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Psalm 85 exemplify the Psalmist’s faith in God's promises, despite the challenges faced by Israel? 2. What are some examples from your own life where you have witnessed God's mercy and forgiveness? 3. How does the psalmist’s reflection on God's past mercies inspire hope for future mercy and restoration? 4. In verses 4-7, the psalmist pleads for renewed mercy. How can this passage inform your own prayers in times of personal or communal distress? 5. How can you cultivate a sense of attentiveness, as depicted in verses 8-9, to hear God's promise in your life? 6. What does the interplay of God's attributes (love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace) in verses 10-13 mean to you? 7. How does Psalm 85 affirm the hope and expectation of God’s glory dwelling in the land? 8. How can you apply the message of hope and restoration in Psalm 85 to present-day challenges in your community or the world at large? 9. How might Psalm 85 guide you in seeking God's guidance during difficult times? 10. How can the attributes of God as described in this Psalm provide a template for personal character growth? 11. How does the concept of divine justice in this Psalm relate to modern understandings of justice? 12. How does the Psalmist's patient waiting for God's word inspire your own approach to seeking and hearing God's guidance? 13. What practical steps can you take to promote love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace in your daily life? 14. How does this Psalm encourage you to balance remembrance of God’s past mercies with anticipation of His future blessings? 15. How can the psalmist’s pleas for mercy and restoration guide your intercessory prayers for your community or nation? 16. What does "God's glory dwelling in our land" mean in a contemporary context? 17. How can Psalm 85's view of righteousness and peace lead to action in your life? 18. In the light of this Psalm, how can we pray for our nations today? 19. How does the vision of love and faithfulness meeting together inspire your understanding of reconciliation in your relationships? 20. How does Psalm 85 influence your understanding of God’s nature and His plan for His people? Topics 1. Remembrance of Past Mercies The psalm begins with a reflection on God's past mercies and favor towards His people. "You showed favor to Your land, O LORD; You restored Jacob from captivity." (Psalm 85:1). The Hebrew root for "restored" (שׁוּב, shuv) implies a turning back or returning, indicating God's action in bringing His people back to a state of blessing. 2. Forgiveness of Sins The psalmist acknowledges God's forgiveness of the people's iniquities. "You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin." (Psalm 85:2). The Hebrew word for "forgave" (נָשָׂא, nasa) conveys the idea of lifting or carrying away, emphasizing the removal of sin. 3. Appeal for Restoration A plea is made for God to restore His people once more. "Restore us, O God of our salvation, and put away Your displeasure toward us." (Psalm 85:4). The request for restoration (שׁוּב, shuv) is repeated, underscoring the desire for a return to divine favor. 4. Desire for Revival The psalmist expresses a longing for revival and renewed joy in God. "Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?" (Psalm 85:6). The Hebrew root for "revive" (חָיָה, chayah) suggests bringing back to life or vitality. 5. Prayer for Mercy and Salvation A call for God's mercy and salvation is made. "Show us Your loving devotion, O LORD, and grant us Your salvation." (Psalm 85:7). The term "loving devotion" (חֶסֶד, chesed) is rich in meaning, often translated as steadfast love or covenant faithfulness. 6. Promise of Peace and Righteousness The psalm concludes with a vision of peace and righteousness. "Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land." (Psalm 85:9). The Hebrew word for "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) encompasses completeness, welfare, and harmony. 7. Union of Mercy and Truth The psalmist envisions a harmonious union of divine attributes. "Loving devotion and truth have joined together; righteousness and peace have kissed." (Psalm 85:10). This poetic imagery highlights the perfect balance of God's character. 8. Fruitfulness and Prosperity The psalm ends with a hopeful picture of the land's fruitfulness. "The LORD will indeed provide what is good, and our land will yield its increase." (Psalm 85:12). The Hebrew concept of "increase" (יְבוּל, yebul) refers to the produce or yield of the land, symbolizing blessing and abundance. Themes 1. Restoration and Favor Psalm 85 begins with a reflection on God's past favor and restoration of His people: "You showed favor to Your land, O LORD; You restored Jacob from captivity" (Psalm 85:1). The Hebrew word for "restored" (שׁוּב, shub) implies a turning back or returning, highlighting God's mercy in bringing His people back to a state of blessing. 2. Forgiveness and Covering of Sin The psalmist acknowledges God's forgiveness: "You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin" (Psalm 85:2). The Hebrew word for "forgave" (נָשָׂא, nasa) conveys the idea of lifting or carrying away sin, while "covered" (כָּסָה, kasah) suggests a concealing or hiding of sin, emphasizing God's grace. 3. Divine Anger and Mercy The theme of God's anger and subsequent mercy is evident: "You withdrew all Your fury; You turned from Your burning anger" (Psalm 85:3). The Hebrew root for "anger" (אַף, aph) often denotes a flaring of nostrils, symbolizing intense wrath, yet God chooses to turn away from it, demonstrating His mercy. 4. Petition for Revival The psalmist pleads for revival and salvation: "Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away Your displeasure toward us" (Psalm 85:4). The request for restoration (שׁוּב, shub) is repeated, underscoring a desire for renewed spiritual vitality and divine favor. 5. Peace and Righteousness A vision of peace and righteousness is presented: "Love and faithfulness have joined together; righteousness and peace have kissed" (Psalm 85:10). The Hebrew word for "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) encompasses completeness and well-being, while "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq) refers to moral integrity and justice. 6. Truth and Faithfulness The psalm highlights the interplay of truth and faithfulness: "Faithfulness sprouts from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven" (Psalm 85:11). The Hebrew term for "faithfulness" (אֱמוּנָה, emunah) implies steadfastness and reliability, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to His promises. 7. Divine Provision and Blessing The psalm concludes with an assurance of God's provision: "The LORD will indeed provide what is good, and our land will yield its increase" (Psalm 85:12). The promise of provision (טוֹב, tov) and increase (יָבוּל, yabul) signifies God's ongoing blessing and care for His creation. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions