Psalms 85:5-13

5 Will you be angry with us always? Will you prolong your wrath to all generations?

6 Won’t you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you?

7 Show us your unfailing love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation.

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.

9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, so our land will be filled with his glory.

10 Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed!

11 Truth springs up from the earth, and righteousness smiles down from heaven.

12 Yes, the LORD pours down his blessings. Our land will yield its bountiful harvest.

13 Righteousness goes as a herald before him, preparing the way for his steps.

Psalms 85:5-13 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.