The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 85
In brief
Psalm 85 is a psalm of the sons of Korah, given to the choir director. It begins by recalling that God brought back the captives of Jacob and forgave his people, which evokes a return from exile. The people then pray to be restored and ask to see God's love. The psalmist announces that he will listen to what God says, and the psalm ends with a magnificent vision: love and faithfulness meet, righteousness and peace kiss each other, and the land yields its fruit.
The chapter in 4 parts
1Yahweh, you have been favorable to your land. You have restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2You have forgiven the iniquity of your people. You have covered all their sin.
3You have taken away all your wrath. You have turned from the fierceness of your anger.
4Turn us, God of our salvation, and cause your indignation toward us to cease.
5Will you be angry with us forever? Will you draw out your anger to all generations?
6Won’t you revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?
7Show us your loving kindness, Yahweh. Grant us your salvation.
8I 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.
9Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.
10Mercy and truth meet together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11Truth springs out of the earth. Righteousness has looked down from heaven.
12Yes, Yahweh will give that which is good. Our land will yield its increase.
13Righteousness goes before him, And prepares the way for his steps.
Key verses
Turn us, God of our salvation, and cause your indignation toward us to cease.
After recalling past forgiveness, the people ask God to restore them. Praying while remembering what God has already done gives confidence to ask for more.
Won’t you revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?
The question is: will you not revive us again? The sons of Korah ask for renewal, that God would bring his people back to life so they may rejoice in him.
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.
The psalmist chooses to listen rather than only speak. God speaks peace to his people, with this warning: let them not turn back to folly.
Mercy and truth meet together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
The verse sets side by side values we often set against each other: love and faithfulness, righteousness and peace. In God they do not contradict each other, they meet.
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.
God gives what is good, the land yields its fruit and righteousness goes before him. Some Christians see here an announcement of Christ, in whom righteousness and grace come together.
Bible verses to meditate on
Test your knowledge
Frequently asked questions about Psalm 85
What does Psalm 85 mean?
The psalm recalls that God forgave and brought back his people, then asks for a fresh restoration. After praying, the psalmist listens to God, who promises peace to those who fear him. It ends with an image in which love, faithfulness, righteousness and peace come together.
What does righteousness and peace kiss each other mean?
Verse 10 imagines four qualities of God meeting and kissing each other, though we often think of them as opposed. Righteousness without peace would be harsh, peace without righteousness would be fragile. Some Christians read here a reflection of the cross, where God is just and makes peace, but the text does not say more.
How can I pray with Psalm 85?
Start by thanking God for a past forgiveness or deliverance, as in verses 1 to 3. Then ask for renewal in your life, your church or your country, with verses 4 to 7. Keep a time of silence to listen, as in verse 8, before concluding with verses 10 to 13.
World English Bible translation — public domain.