Psalm 85

1. This psalm is a tribute, in some ways, to God’s love. The poets–the sons of Korah–realize that God is currently angry with His people, but has been patient and merciful in the past. From this, they write that God will be merciful again by restoring His people.

2. Verses 1-3 are an historical reminder of God’s past dealings with Israel. While they sinned previously, God was always willing to forgive and protect them. Verse 3 shows us that the poets knew that God could be greatly angered.

3. After that short “review,” the prayer for restoration begins in verse 4. In some way God has shown His people that He is angry with them. The poets now ask for that anger to cease.

4. Verses 6 and 7 tell us that the nation wants to rejoice because of God, but they will not at the moment, due to the punishment. When they are restored, though, they will know even better God’s salvation, and that will cause them to rejoice. Are not we the same? When we sin, we feel guilt; but when we are restored, we have the greatest reason to rejoice!

5. The sin has become so great that God’s glory has left the land. However, there is a resurgence of trust in God, and now the people know that God will restore them and His glory will be with them again (verse 9).

6. Verse 11 is an interesting comparison. When we (the earth) know truth (some translations have “faithfulness”), we are more likely to know the righteousness that comes from God.

7. The psalm ends by reminding the people that God, when He restores, does so completely. Not only will He grant forgiveness, but even their crops will be restored, and He will again lead His people (verses 12-13).