United Commentaries

Ps.85.1-13

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).

Ps.85.1-5

Though the psalmist gratefully acknowledges God’s goodness, he also asks God whether his wrath will last forever.

Ps.85.1

God restored the fortunes of Israel by bringing the nation back from exile (see 14:7; 126:1).

Ps.85.2

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

Ps.85.6-7

This prayer for renewal is based on God’s unfailing love for his people.

Ps.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.

Ps.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).

Ps.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).