Short answer: Psalm 85 is a prayer for restoration after a time of God's anger. The Sons of Korah recall how God once restored the fortunes of Jacob and forgave their iniquity. Now they ask God to revive them again. The psalm contains a beautiful vision of righteousness and peace kissing each other. The Lord will give what is good, and righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way.
The setting of the psalm
Psalm 85 is a prayer for restoration after a time of God's anger. The Sons of Korah begin by recalling God's past acts of restoration. 'Lord, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger.'
This memory of past forgiveness makes the present experience of God's anger all the more painful. The people seem to be experiencing a reversal of God's favor, and they plead for restoration: 'Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us! Will you be angry with us forever?'
The psalmist declares that he will listen to what God the Lord will say. This posture of expectant listening is a model of faith. God speaks peace to his people, to his saints, but they must not turn back to folly. The restoration God gives requires a response of continued faithfulness.
The most beautiful verses in the psalm describe the vision of salvation: 'Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky.' These verses personify God's attributes in a beautiful picture of harmony and reconciliation.
For Christians, this psalm is profoundly gospel-centered. The meeting of steadfast love and faithfulness, the kiss of righteousness and peace, is ultimately realized at the cross of Christ. In Christ, God's justice and mercy embrace. The promise that righteousness goes before him and makes his footsteps a way points to the path of salvation that God has opened through his Son.
Yahweh, you have been favorable to your land. You have restored the fortunes of Jacob. You have forgiven the iniquity of your people. You have covered all their sin. You have taken away all your wrath. You have turned from the fierceness of your anger. Turn us, God of our salvation, and cause your indignation toward us to cease.
Psalm 85:1-4 (World English Bible)
Key words and their meaning
The Hebrew word for 'restored' (shavta) in verse 1 is from the root shuv, meaning to turn or return. God turned the fortunes of his people. The same root appears in 'restore us again' in verse 4, creating a wordplay.
The word 'revive' (chayenu) in verse 6 means to make alive. The people are not merely asking for improvement but for resurrection-like restoration. Only God can give life to what is dead.
The personification of 'steadfast love' (chesed) and 'faithfulness' (emet), 'righteousness' (tsedeq) and 'peace' (shalom) in verses 10-11 is a beautiful poetic device. These divine attributes meet and embrace, picturing the harmony of God's character.
I will hear what God, Yahweh, will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, his saints; but let them not turn again to folly. Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth meet together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Psalm 85:8-10 (World English Bible)
What the psalm claims
First, God's past acts of restoration are the basis for present hope. The memory of forgiveness sustains the prayer for revival.
Second, listening to God is the posture of faith. The psalmist declares that he will listen to what God will say.
Third, God's attributes are in perfect harmony. The meeting of steadfast love and faithfulness, the kiss of righteousness and peace, is the foundation of salvation.
Truth springs out of the earth. Righteousness has looked down from heaven. Yes, Yahweh will give that which is good. Our land will yield its increase. Righteousness goes before him, And prepares the way for his steps.
Psalm 85:11-13 (World English Bible)
Where readers disagree
The historical context of the psalm has been debated. Some connect it to the return from exile; others to a later period of restoration. The lack of specific historical details allows the psalm to be applied to many situations.
The personification of God's attributes in verses 10-11 has been extensively discussed. The meeting of steadfast love and faithfulness and the kiss of righteousness and peace are among the most beautiful verses in the Psalter.
The relationship between this psalm and the prophetic tradition has been noted. The theme of listening to what God will say echoes the prophetic call to hear God's word.
Yahweh, you have been favorable to your land. You have restored the fortunes of Jacob. You have forgiven the iniquity of your people. You have covered all their sin. You have taken away all your wrath. You have turned from the fierceness of your anger. Turn us, God of our salvation, and cause your indignation toward us to cease.
Psalm 85:1-4 (World English Bible)
How this psalm connects to the gospel
The themes of Psalm 85 find their ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament frequently draws on the Psalms to explain who Jesus is and what he accomplished. The psalm's language of deliverance, kingship, and steadfast love all point toward the gospel.
In Jesus, believers see the perfect fulfillment of everything this psalm celebrates. The deliverance David experienced was a foreshadowing of the greater deliverance Christ would accomplish. The kingship celebrated in the psalm points to Christ's eternal reign. The steadfast love described in the psalm is fully revealed in Jesus's sacrificial death and resurrection.
For Christians, reading this psalm is an opportunity to see God's faithfulness across the entire biblical story. The same God who heard David's cry also hears the prayers of his people today. The same deliverance David experienced finds its ultimate expression in the salvation Christ offers. The psalm invites believers to trust in this faithful God and to make his praise known to all generations.
The New Testament writers understood the Psalms as a prophetic witness to Christ. Jesus himself told his disciples that everything written about him in the Psalms must be fulfilled (Luke 24:44). When the apostles preached about Jesus, they regularly quoted the Psalms to demonstrate that his suffering, death, resurrection, and exaltation were all part of God's redemptive plan.
Psalm 85 participates in this prophetic witness. Whether through its language of kingship, its descriptions of suffering and deliverance, or its celebration of God's steadfast love, this psalm contributes to the biblical portrait of the Messiah. Reading it in light of Christ does not diminish its original meaning but reveals its deepest significance.
I will hear what God, Yahweh, will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, his saints; but let them not turn again to folly. Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth meet together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Psalm 85:8-10 (World English Bible)
Biblical fidelity check
Psalm 85 is theologically sound and consistent with the broader biblical witness. Its themes of God's steadfast love, faithfulness, and righteousness are central to biblical theology. The psalm contributes to the Psalter's comprehensive portrait of God's relationship with his people. While each psalm reflects its original historical context, its truths are enduring and applicable to believers today. The New Testament affirms and deepens the themes found in this psalm, particularly through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main message of Psalm 85?
The main message of Psalm 85 is revive us again, o god. The psalm teaches that God is worthy of trust and praise. It calls believers to respond to God's character with faith, obedience, and worship.
How does Psalm 85 point to Christ?
Psalm 85, like all Scripture, ultimately points to Jesus Christ. The themes of God's deliverance, steadfast love, and kingship find their fullest expression in Christ. The New Testament frequently quotes the Psalms to explain Christ's person and work. As Jesus himself said, the Scriptures bear witness to him (John 5:39).
How does Psalm 85 apply to Christians today?
Psalm 85 applies to believers today by providing language for prayer, praise, and lament. It teaches about God's character and how believers should respond to him. The psalm's truths are timeless, addressing the universal human experiences of joy, suffering, hope, and trust.
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