The Lovingkindness of God: Psalm 85
“1) O Lord, You showed favor to Your land; You restored the captivity of Jacob. 2) You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin. Selah.
4) Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your indignation toward us to cease. 5) Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? 6) Will You not Yourself revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?
9) Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land. 10) Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
12) Indeed, the Lord will give what is good, And our land will yield its produce.” Psalms 85:1-2, 4-6, 9-10, 12
Psalm 85 is a prayer to God for national mercy and revival. I have selected several verses that capture the meaning of this Psalm.
One thought stands out; revival was not viewed as being deserved, earned or gained by merit. The request did not come because Israel was good and seeking God. To the contrary, they were sinful and deserving of judgement.
The whole plea for revival in this Psalm was based on the good and merciful character of God. Psalm 85:10 says it all. There is no other verse like it in the Bible; “10) Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other!”
Therefore, it is reasonable when Gods people repent and turn back to Him, they will be met with His lovingkindness, forgiveness and mercy. His anger does not abide forever.
This Psalm deserves special study. It paints a glorious picture of God from an Old Testament perspective. He is a loving, approachable and forgiving Father.
He wants to remove the barriers between Himself and His people. This Psalm sets the stage for the gospel.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“1) O Lord, You showed favor to Your land; You restored the captivity of Jacob. 2) You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin. Selah.
4) Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your indignation toward us to cease. 5) Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? 6) Will You not Yourself revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?
9) Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land. 10) Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
12) Indeed, the Lord will give what is good, And our land will yield its produce.” Psalms 85:1-2, 4-6, 9-10, 12
Psalm 85 is a prayer to God for national mercy and revival. I have selected several verses that capture the meaning of this Psalm.
One thought stands out; revival was not viewed as being deserved, earned or gained by merit. The request did not come because Israel was good and seeking God. To the contrary, they were sinful and deserving of judgement.
The whole plea for revival in this Psalm was based on the good and merciful character of God. Psalm 85:10 says it all. There is no other verse like it in the Bible; “10) Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other!”
Therefore, it is reasonable when Gods people repent and turn back to Him, they will be met with His lovingkindness, forgiveness and mercy. His anger does not abide forever.
This Psalm deserves special study. It paints a glorious picture of God from an Old Testament perspective. He is a loving, approachable and forgiving Father.
He wants to remove the barriers between Himself and His people. This Psalm sets the stage for the gospel.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
