Psalms 85

Ps 85 The psalmist leads the postexilic community in lament and prayer for full redemption. He ponders God’s past rescue of Israel from exile (85:1-3), longs for greater evidence of God’s goodness, and leads the community in prayer for full restoration (85:4-7). God responds with a message of peace (85:8-9), and the psalm concludes with a lyrical outburst at the grandeur of God’s salvation (85:10-13).85:1-5 Though the psalmist gratefully acknowledges God’s goodness, he also asks God whether his wrath will last forever.85:1 God restored the fortunes of Israel by bringing the nation back from exile (see 14:7; 126:1).

85:2 When God forgave the guilt of their sins, he gave the people the possibility of fellowship with him (see 32:5).

85:6-7 This prayer for renewal is based on God’s unfailing love for his people.

85:8-9 When God the Lord speaks, his faithful people listen. He promises them peace, meaning wholeness and well-being (see 37:11). They fear the Lord and know that he and his salvation are near to them. • The Lord does not tolerate foolish ways, such as those that resulted in the Exile.

85:10-13 In the glorious world of renewal and salvation, all the qualities of God’s care—love, truth, righteousness, and peace—come together and transform the created order into something new (see Isa 32:15-20).

85:13 Righteousness is like a messenger preparing the world for God’s coming in response to the prayers of his people (85:4-7; 89:14).