Psalms 85:1-10

1 (84-1) <Unto the end, for the sons of Core, a psalm.> (84-2) Lord, thou hast blessed thy land: thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob.

2 (84-3) Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people: thou hast covered all their sins.

3 (84-4) Thou hast mitigated all thy anger: thou hast turned away from the wrath of thy indignation.

4 (84-5) Convert us, O God our saviour: and turn off thy anger from us.

5 (84-6) Wilt thou be angry with us for ever: or wilt thou extend thy wrath from generation to generation?

6 (84-7) Thou wilt turn, O God, and bring us to life: and thy people shall rejoice in thee.

7 (84-8) Shew us, O Lord, thy mercy; and grant us thy salvation.

8 (84-9) I will hear what the Lord God will speak in me: for he will speak peace unto his people: And unto his saints: and unto them that are converted to the heart.

9 (84-10) Surely his salvation is near to them that fear him:that glory may dwell in our land.

10 (84-11) Mercy and truth have met each other: justice and peace have kissed.

Psalms 85:1-10 Meaning and Commentary

To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. This psalm is generally thought to have been composed after the return of the Jews from their captivity in Babylon; and yet when they were in some distress from their neighbours, either in the times of Ezra and Nehemiah, or in the times of Antiochus; but then this deliverance from captivity must be considered as typical of redemption by Christ; for as the title of the Syriac version is, "it is a prophecy concerning Christ;" it speaks of his dwelling in the land, of his salvation being near, and of the glory of the divine perfections as displayed in it; and perhaps some parts of it may respect the conversion of the Jews in the latter day; and Aben Ezra and Kimchi say, it is concerning the captivity of Babylon, yet also of their present captivity.