Psalm 85 Meaning Explained

A prayer for revival after a past restoration. God has forgiven Jacob and withdrawn His wrath; now the psalmist pleads, 'Will you be angry with us forever?' He waits for God to speak 'shalom' to His people. The beautiful image of covenant attributes meeting—'Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other'—becomes the hope for a future where glory dwells in the land.

A clear explanation of Psalm 85, its meaning, context, and message for believers today

Psalms Chapter 85 | KJV

1. To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.
2. Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.
3. Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger.
4. Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease.
5. Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?
6. Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
7. shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.
8. I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
9. Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.
10. Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12. Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.
13. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.

Historical Context

Psalm 85, attributed to the sons of Korah, seeks restoration after calamity, highlighting God’s mercy and steadfast love.