Psalms 85:6

6 Will you not 1revive us again, that your people may 2rejoice in you?

Psalms 85:6 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 85:6

Wilt thou not revive us again
Their return from the Babylonish captivity was a reviving of them in their bondage, ( Ezra 9:8 Ezra 9:9 ) and the conversion of them in the latter day will be a reviving them again, be as life from the dead; they are like the dry bones in Ezekiel's vision, or like the dead in the graves; and their being turned to the Lord will be a resurrection, or quickening of them, as every instance of conversion is; see ( Romans 11:15 ) ( Ezekiel 37:1-10 ) , men are dead in trespasses and sins, and they are quickened by the Spirit and grace of God, so that they revive, and live a life of sanctification; they are dead in law, and find themselves to be so, when spiritually enlightened; when the Spirit of God works faith in them, to look to and live upon the righteousness of Christ for justification; and who, after spiritual decays, declensions, and deadness, are revived again, and are made cheerful and comfortable by the same Spirit; all which may be here intended:

that thy people may rejoice in thee;
it was a time of rejoicing in the Lord, when the Jews were returned from their captivity in Babylon; but their future conversion will be matter of greater joy, both to themselves and to the Gentiles; everlasting joy will be upon their heads, and in their hearts, when they shall return to Zion, ( Psalms 14:7 ) ( Isaiah 35:10 ) and so is the conversion of every sinner joyful to himself and to others; such rejoice in Christ, in his person, blood, and righteousness; and every view of him afterwards, as it is a reviving time, it fills with joy unspeakable, and full of glory: the Targum is,

``and thy people shall rejoice in thy Word;''

Christ, the essential Word.

Psalms 85:6 In-Context

4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us!
5 Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your steadfast love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation.
8 Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Psalms 71:20
  • 2. Psalms 90:14; Psalms 149:2
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.