ScriptureDepth's study of Psalm 85
“Mercy and truth meet together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”
Psalms 85:10
The psalmist declares that 'mercy' and 'truth' meet, which settles the connection between God's righteousness and peace, urging the people toward salvation.
What Psalm 85 is about
Yahweh has been favorable to the land and restored Jacob's fortunes (vv. 1-3). He has forgiven the iniquity of His people and turned away His wrath. The psalmist pleads for revival, asking God to cease His indignation and not remain angry forever (vv. 4-6). The psalmist desires to rejoice in God once more and seeks His loving kindness and salvation. He expresses readiness to hear God’s message, believing that God will speak peace to His saints (vv. 7-8). The psalmist asserts that salvation is near for those who fear Yahweh, with glory set to dwell in the land (vv. 9-11). The psalmist describes how mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace will come together, affirming that Yahweh will provide goodness, and the land will yield its increase (vv. 12-13). Righteousness prepares the way for Yahweh's steps.
Will you revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?
Psalm 85 at a glance
- Psalm 85:1–3God's Favor and Forgiveness
- Psalm 85:4–6A Plea for Revival
- Psalm 85:7–8Listening for God's Peace
- Psalm 85:9–11The Coming of Salvation
- Psalm 85:12–13The Path of Righteousness
Key verse: Psalms 85:10
One thing to notice
Verses 1-3 address God directly with 'you' and 'your,' recounting past actions. The tone shifts in verses 4-6 as the speaker pleads, 'Turn us, God of our salvation.' This change moves from recounting history to expressing a personal request.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Psalm 85 (WEB)
God's Favor and Forgiveness Psalm 85:1–3
1Verse 1. Yahweh, you have been favorable to your land.You have restored the fortunes of Jacob.2Verse 2. You have forgiven the iniquity of your people.You have covered all their sin.Selah.3Verse 3. You have taken away all your wrath.You have turned from the fierceness of your anger.
A Plea for Revival Psalm 85:4–6
4Verse 4. Turn us, God of our salvation,and cause your indignation toward us to cease.5Verse 5. Will you be angry with us forever?Will you draw out your anger to all generations?6Verse 6. Won’t you revive us again,that your people may rejoice in you?
Listening for God's Peace Psalm 85:7–8
7Verse 7. Show us your loving kindness, Yahweh.Grant us your salvation.8Verse 8. 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 Coming of Salvation Psalm 85:9–11
9Verse 9. Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,that glory may dwell in our land.10Verse 10. Mercy and truth meet together.Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.11Verse 11. Truth springs out of the earth.Righteousness has looked down from heaven.
The Path of Righteousness Psalm 85:12–13
12Verse 12. Yes, Yahweh will give that which is good.Our land will yield its increase.13Verse 13. Righteousness goes before him,And prepares the way for his steps.
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Psalm 85
Restoration
In verses 1-3, the psalmist acknowledges Yahweh's favor towards the land and the restoration of Jacob's fortunes. The text states, 'You have restored the fortunes of Jacob' and 'You have taken away all your wrath.' The movement here shows a transition from a state of despair to one of recovery and hope, emphasizing God’s active role in restoring His people.
Divine mercy
Verses 2-4 express the theme of divine mercy through the acknowledgment of forgiveness. The text notes, 'You have forgiven the iniquity of your people' and 'You have covered all their sin.' This mercy is paired with a plea for God to cease His indignation, revealing the deep reliance on divine compassion in times of distress.
Peace and righteousness
In verses 10-11, the psalmist presents the themes of peace and righteousness as intertwined. It is stated, 'Mercy and truth meet together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.' This connection suggests that true peace emerges from a foundation of righteousness, indicating that both qualities are essential for the well-being of the land and its people.
Hope in God's promises
Hope in God's promises is evident in verses 7-9, where the psalmist seeks revival and expresses confidence in God’s salvation. The text conveys, 'Show us your loving kindness, Yahweh. Grant us your salvation.' This hope is solidified by the assurance that 'Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,' emphasizing the trust in God's faithful deliverance.
Chapter outline
How Psalm 85 unfolds
Psalm 85:1–3 God's Favor and Forgiveness
Yahweh has favored the land and restored Jacob's fortunes (v. 1). He has forgiven the people's iniquity and covered all their sin, taking away His wrath and turning from His fierce anger (vv. 2-3).
Psalm 85:4–6 A Plea for Revival
The psalmist appeals to God for restoration and asks Him to cease His indignation (v. 4). A question arises about God’s enduring anger and the hope for revival so that the people may rejoice (vv. 5-6).
Psalm 85:7–8 Listening for God's Peace
The psalmist expresses a desire to hear God's words, anticipating that He will speak peace to His people (v. 8). There is a caution for the people not to turn back to folly after receiving this peace.
Psalm 85:9–11 The Coming of Salvation
The psalmist declares that salvation is near for those who fear Yahweh, allowing glory to dwell in the land (v. 9). Mercy and truth meet, righteousness and peace kiss, while truth springs from the earth and righteousness looks from heaven (vv. 10-11).
Psalm 85:12–13 The Path of Righteousness
Yahweh will give what is good, causing the land to yield its increase (v. 12). Righteousness goes before Him and prepares the way for His steps (v. 13).
Key verses
Psalms 85:10The psalmist declares that 'mercy' and 'truth' meet, which settles the connection between God's righteousness and peace, urging the people toward salvation.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Psalm 85
- observeIn v6, why does the psalmist ask God to 'revive us again'?
- observeWhat is meant by 'loving kindness' in v7?
- interpretIn v8, what does the psalmist mean by 'he will speak peace'?
- interpretIn vv. 10-11, how do 'mercy' and 'truth' come together?
- applyWhen have you sought God's 'salvation' like the psalmist in v7?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Psalm 85
- Isaiah 26Psalm 85:7 and Isaiah 26:3Both affirm trust as key: Psalm 85:7 shows us your loving kindness, while Isaiah 26:3 keeps whoever’s mind steadfast.
- Psalm 84Psalm 85:12 and Psalm 84:11Both declare God's goodness: Psalm 85:12 will give that which is good, while Psalm 84:11 withholds no good thing.
- Jeremiah 30Psalm 85:1 and Jeremiah 30:18Both express restoration: Psalm 85:1 has restored the fortunes of Jacob, while Jeremiah 30:18 will reverse the captivity of Jacob.
- Habakkuk 3Psalm 85:6 and Habakkuk 3:2Both seek revival: Psalm 85:6 revive us again, while Habakkuk 3:2 renew your work in the middle of the years.
- Psalm 32Psalm 85:2 and Psalm 32:1Both celebrate forgiveness: Psalm 85:2 you have forgiven the iniquity, while Psalm 32:1 disobedience is forgiven.
- Psalm 80Psalm 85:6 and Psalm 80:18Both implore revival: Psalm 85:6 revive us again, while Psalm 80:18 revive us, and we will call on your name.
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