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 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Restore Us Again, O God
1To him that excelleth. A Psalme committed to the sonnes of Korah. Lord, thou hast bene fauourable vnto thy land: thou hast brought againe the captiuitie of Iaakob. 2Thou hast forgiuen the iniquitie of thy people, and couered all their sinnes. Selah. 3Thou hast withdrawen all thine anger, and hast turned backe from the fiercenes of thy wrath. 4Turne vs, O God of our saluation, and release thine anger toward vs. 5Wilt thou be angry with vs for euer? and wilt thou prolong thy wrath from one generation to another? 6Wilt thou not turne againe and quicken vs, that thy people may reioyce in thee? 7Shew vs thy mercie, O Lord, and graunt vs thy saluation. 8I will hearken what the Lord God will say: for he will speake peace vnto his people, and to his Saintes, that they turne not againe to follie. 9Surely his saluation is neere to them that feare him, that glory may dwell in our land. 10Mercie and trueth shall meete: righteousnes and peace shall kisse one another. 11Trueth shall bud out of the earth, and righteousnes shall looke downe from heauen. 12Yea, the Lord shall giue good things, and our land shall giue her increase. 13Righteousnesse shall go before him, and shall set her steps in the way.