Psalms 85

1 oratio ipsi David inclina Domine aurem tuam %et; exaudi me quoniam inops et pauper sum ego

2 custodi animam meam quoniam sanctus sum salvum fac servum tuum Deus meus sperantem in te

3 miserere mei Domine quoniam ad te clamabo tota die

4 laetifica animam servi tui quoniam ad te Domine animam meam levavi

5 quoniam tu Domine suavis et mitis et multae misericordiae omnibus invocantibus te

6 auribus percipe Domine orationem meam et intende voci orationis meae

7 in die tribulationis meae clamavi ad te quia exaudisti me

8 non est similis tui in diis Domine et non est secundum opera tua

9 omnes gentes quascumque fecisti venient et adorabunt coram te Domine et glorificabunt nomen tuum

10 quoniam magnus es tu et faciens mirabilia tu es Deus solus

11 deduc me Domine in via tua et ingrediar in veritate tua laetetur cor meum ut timeat nomen tuum

12 confitebor tibi Domine Deus meus in toto corde meo et glorificabo nomen tuum in aeternum

13 quia misericordia tua magna est super me et eruisti animam meam ex inferno inferiori

14 Deus iniqui insurrexerunt super me et synagoga potentium quaesierunt animam meam et non proposuerunt te in conspectu suo

15 et tu Domine Deus miserator et misericors patiens et multae misericordiae et verax

16 respice in me et miserere mei da imperium tuum puero tuo et salvum fac filium ancillae tuae

17 fac mecum signum in bono et videant qui oderunt me et confundantur quoniam tu Domine adiuvasti me et consolatus es me

Psalms 85 Commentary

Chapter 85

Prayers for the continuance of former mercies. (1-7) Trust in God's goodness. (8-13)

Verses 1-7 The sense of present afflictions should not do away the remembrance of former mercies. The favour of God is the fountain of happiness to nations, as well as to particular persons. When God forgives sin, he covers it; and when he covers the sin of his people, he covers it all. See what the pardon of sin is. In compassion to us, when Christ our Intercessor has stood before thee, thou hast turned away thine anger. When we are reconciled to God, then, and not till then, we may expect the comfort of his being reconciled to us. He shows mercy to those to whom he grants salvation; for salvation is of mere mercy. The Lord's people may expect sharp and tedious afflictions when they commit sin; but when they return to him with humble prayer, he will make them again to rejoice in him.

Verses 8-13 Sooner or later, God will speak peace to his people. If he do not command outward peace, yet he will suggest inward peace; speaking to their hearts by his Spirit. Peace is spoken only to those who turn from sin. All sin is folly, especially backsliding; it is the greatest folly to return to sin. Surely God's salvation is nigh, whatever our difficulties and distresses are. Also, his honour is secured, that glory may dwell in our land. And the truth of the promises is shown by the Divine mercy in sending the Redeemer. The Divine justice is now satisfied by the great atonement. Christ, the way, truth, and life, sprang out of the earth when he took our nature upon him, and Divine justice looked upon him well pleased and satisfied. For his sake all good things, especially his Holy Spirit, are given to those who ask him. Through Christ, the pardoned sinner becomes fruitful in good works, and by looking to and trusting in the Saviour's righteousness, finds his feet set in the way of his steps. Righteousness is a sure guide, both in meeting God, and in following him

Chapter Summary

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.