Psalm 85 Study Notes
Share
This resource is exclusive for PLUS Members
Upgrade now and receive:
- Ad-Free Experience: Enjoy uninterrupted access.
- Exclusive Commentaries: Dive deeper with in-depth insights.
- Advanced Study Tools: Powerful search and comparison features.
- Premium Guides & Articles: Unlock for a more comprehensive study.
85:6-7 Faithful love (Hb chesed, “covenant loyalty”) is a cultic term indicating a unique relationship between Yahweh and his people, a relationship built on loyalty by those not obligated to demonstrate that loyalty. Revive us again (lit “restore our lives”) uses the Hebrew word shuv. The Lord restores Israel’s fortunes by turning his anger from them, thereby restoring Jacob’s vitality. The salvation of the Lord results from a demonstration of his covenant loyalty.
85:8 Go back is the Hebrew word shuv (cp. vv. 1,3,6).
85:9-10 Reconciliation is characterized by renewal and the return of peace and prosperity to the land (119:151; 145:18; Is 50:8; 55:6; 62:2).
85:11-12 Personification of God’s attributes as pastoral imagery reinforces the connection between material prosperity and the perfect state of fairness and righteousness operative under the Lord’s kingship. Fertility and abundant rainfall affirm God’s faithfulness (Is 30:23-25; 32:15-18; 45:8; 55:10; 61:11; Am 9:13).
85:13 Righteousness accompanies the Lord in his procession back to Jerusalem (43:3; 89:14; 96:6; Is 40:10; 58:8; 62:11), representing a reversal from when the land was overrun by injustice.