Psalms 85:8-13

8 I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly.

9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.

10 Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.

11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.

12 The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.

13 Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.

Psalms 85:8-13 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.

Cross References

• 1. S Leviticus 26:6; S Isaiah 60:17; S John 14:27; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Zechariah 9:10
• 2. Proverbs 26:11; Proverbs 27:22
• 3. Psalms 27:1; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 45:8; Isaiah 46:13; Isaiah 51:5; Isaiah 56:1; Isaiah 62:11
• 4. S Exodus 29:43; Isaiah 60:19; Haggai 2:9; Zechariah 2:5
• 5. Psalms 89:14; Psalms 115:1; Proverbs 3:3
• 6. Psalms 72:2-3; Isaiah 32:17
• 7. Isaiah 45:8
• 8. Psalms 84:11; James 1:17
• 9. Leviticus 26:4; S Psalms 67:6; Zechariah 8:12