Psalms 85
Psalms 85 is part of “Book III: The Leviticus Book” (73–89) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 85 summary
Interpreters are generally of the opinion that this psalm was penned after the return of the Jews out of their captivity in Babylon, when they still remained under some tokens of God's displeasure, which they here pray for the removal of. And nothing appears to the contrary, but that it might be penned then, as well as Psa 137:1-9. They are the public interests that lie near the psalmist's heart here, and the psalm is penned for the great congregation. The church was here in a deluge; above were clouds, below were waves; every thing was dark and dismal.
Read the full introduction
Interpreters are generally of the opinion that this psalm was penned after the return of the Jews out of their captivity in Babylon, when they still remained under some tokens of God's displeasure, which they here pray for the removal of. And nothing appears to the contrary, but that it might be penned then, as well as Psa 137:1-9. They are the public interests that lie near the psalmist's heart here, and the psalm is penned for the great congregation. The church was here in a deluge; above were clouds, below were waves; every thing was dark and dismal. The church is like Noah in the ark, between life and death, between hope and fear; being so, I. Here is the dove sent forth in prayer. The petitions are against sin and wrath (Psa 85:4) and for mercy and grace (Psa 85:7). The pleas are taken from former favours (Psa 85:1-3) and present distresses (Psa 85:5, Psa 85:6). II. Here is the dove returning with an olive branch of peace and good tidings; the psalmist expects her return (Psa 85:8) and then recounts the favours to God's Israel which by the spirit of prophecy he gave assurance of to others, and by the spirit of faith he took the assurance of to himself (Psa 85:9-13). In singing this psalm we may be assisted in our prayers to God both for his church in general and for the land of our nativity in particular. The former part will be of use to direct our desires, the latter to encourage our faith and hope in those prayers. To the chief musician. A psalm for the sons of Korah.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Psalms 85 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
Restore Us Again, O God
1For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Jehovah, thou hast been favorable unto thy land; Thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. 2Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people; Thou hast covered all their sin. [Selah 3Thou hast taken away all thy wrath; Thou hast turned [thyself] from the fierceness of thine anger. 4Turn us, O God of our salvation, And cause thine indignation toward us to cease. 5Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? Wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations? 6Wilt thou not quicken us again, That thy people may rejoice in thee? 7Show us thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah, And grant us thy salvation. 8I will hear what God Jehovah will speak; For he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: But let them not turn again to folly. 9Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him, That glory may dwell in our land. 10Mercy and truth are met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11Truth springeth out of the earth; And righteousness hath looked down from heaven. 12Yea, Jehovah will give that which is good; And our land shall yield its increase. 13Righteousness shall go before him, And shall make his footsteps a way [to walk in].