Psalms 85:8-13

8 I will give ear to the voice of the Lord; for he will say words of peace to his people and to his saints; but let them not go back to their foolish ways.

9 Truly, his salvation is near to his worshippers; so that glory may be in our land.

10 Mercy and faith have come together; righteousness and peace have given one another a kiss.

11 Faith comes up from the earth like a plant; righteousness is looking down from heaven.

12 The Lord will give what is good; and our land will give its increase.

13 Righteousness will go before him, making a way for his footsteps.

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.