What is the meaning of Psalm 85?

Psalm 85 is a profound and multi-layered piece of Scripture that speaks to the themes of restoration, forgiveness, and divine mercy. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I find it essential to delve into the historical, theological, and spiritual dimensions of this psalm to fully appreciate its meaning and relevance for us today.

Psalm 85 is traditionally attributed to the sons of Korah, a group of temple singers and musicians. The psalm is structured in a way that reflects a communal prayer, likely uttered during a time of distress or after experiencing God's judgment. The psalm can be divided into three main sections: a reflection on past mercies (verses 1-3), a plea for restoration (verses 4-7), and a confident expectation of future blessings (verses 8-13).

Reflection on Past Mercies (Verses 1-3)

The psalm opens with a recollection of God's past acts of favor and forgiveness:

"You, Lord, showed favor to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger." (Psalm 85:1-3, NIV)

These verses highlight God's historical acts of mercy towards Israel. The psalmist recalls how God had previously shown favor to the land, restored the fortunes of Jacob, forgiven iniquities, and turned away His wrath. This reflection serves as a foundation for the psalmist's current plea, reminding both the community and God of the covenantal relationship and the history of divine compassion.

The language here is rich with covenantal undertones. Terms like "restored," "forgave," and "covered" echo the themes of atonement and reconciliation found throughout the Old Testament. The psalmist's recollection is not just a nostalgic look back but a theological assertion: the God who acted in the past is capable of acting again.

Plea for Restoration (Verses 4-7)

Following the reflection on past mercies, the psalmist transitions to a heartfelt plea for restoration:

"Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us. Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, Lord, and grant us your salvation." (Psalm 85:4-7, NIV)

The repetition of the plea for restoration underscores the urgency and desperation of the community's situation. The psalmist addresses God as "God our Savior," emphasizing the belief that only God can bring about the needed restoration. The questions posed in verses 5 and 6 reveal a deep yearning for reconciliation and a return to divine favor.

The request for revival ("Will you not revive us again?") is particularly poignant. It suggests not just a desire for physical or material restoration but a spiritual renewal that would lead to rejoicing in God. This plea is rooted in the confidence that God's "unfailing love" (Hebrew: "chesed") and salvation are available to His people.

Confident Expectation of Future Blessings (Verses 8-13)

The final section of the psalm shifts from plea to confident expectation:

"I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—but let them not turn to folly. Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps." (Psalm 85:8-13, NIV)

Here, the psalmist expresses a readiness to listen to God's response, confident that He promises peace to His people. The admonition "but let them not turn to folly" serves as a reminder that the community's faithfulness is crucial for experiencing God's peace.

Verses 10 and 11 are particularly striking with their poetic imagery: "Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other." This depicts a harmonious convergence of divine attributes, suggesting that God's intervention brings about a holistic restoration where moral and spiritual qualities are perfectly balanced. The imagery of faithfulness springing from the earth and righteousness looking down from heaven portrays a world where divine and human realms are in sync, leading to abundant blessings.

The assurance that "The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest" ties back to the opening verses, creating a narrative arc from past mercies to future blessings. The psalmist envisions a restored land, both physically and spiritually, where God's righteousness leads the way.

Theological and Spiritual Implications

Psalm 85 offers rich theological insights. It underscores the covenantal relationship between God and His people, highlighting themes of forgiveness, restoration, and divine mercy. The psalmist's confidence in God's character—His unfailing love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace—serves as a model for our own prayers and expectations.

From a New Testament perspective, the themes of Psalm 85 find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The reconciliation of divine attributes—love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace—can be seen in the person and work of Christ. Paul writes in Romans 3:21-26 about the righteousness of God being revealed through faith in Jesus Christ, available to all who believe. This righteousness is not merely a moral quality but a relational reality that brings peace and reconciliation between God and humanity.

Moreover, the plea for revival and restoration resonates with the Christian experience of spiritual renewal. The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised to send, works within believers to revive and restore, bringing about a transformation that leads to rejoicing in God. The expectation of future blessings is also a key aspect of Christian hope, looking forward to the ultimate restoration of all things in the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1-5).

Practical Application

For us today, Psalm 85 serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of seeking His restoration. In times of personal or communal distress, we can follow the psalmist's example by reflecting on God's past mercies, earnestly pleading for His intervention, and confidently expecting His future blessings.

This psalm also challenges us to examine our own faithfulness. The admonition "but let them not turn to folly" calls us to live in a manner worthy of God's calling, aligning our lives with His righteousness and peace. As we do so, we can trust that God will indeed "give what is good" and that our lives will yield a harvest of spiritual fruit.

In conclusion, Psalm 85 is a rich tapestry of divine mercy, human yearning, and confident hope. It invites us to reflect on God's past acts of kindness, to earnestly seek His restoration in our present circumstances, and to confidently expect His future blessings. As we meditate on this psalm, may we be inspired to live faithfully, trusting in God's unfailing love and righteousness.