Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 85

The psalmist leads the community that returned from exile in a lament and a prayer for complete restoration:

• He remembers how God rescued Israel from exile (Psalm 85:1–3),

• asks for clearer signs of God’s goodness, and

• leads the people in prayer for full renewal (Psalm 85:4–7).

God answers with a message of peace (Psalm 85:8–9). The psalm ends with a poetic description of the greatness of God’s salvation (85:10–13).

Though the psalmist gratefully acknowledges God’s goodness, he also asks God whether his wrath will last forever.

God brought Israel back from exile and restored its fortunes (see Psalm 14:7; 126:1).

When God forgave the guilt of their sins, he gave the people the possibility of fellowship with him (see Psalm 32:5).

This prayer for renewal is based on God’s unfailing love for his people.

• When God speaks, his faithful people listen. He promises them peace, meaning wholeness and well-being (see Psalm 37:11). They respect the Lord and know that he and his salvation are near.

• The Lord does not tolerate foolish ways, such as those that resulted in the exile.

In the renewed world of salvation, all the qualities of God’s care (love, truth, righteousness, and peace) come together. They transform creation and make it new (see Isaiah 32:15–20).

Righteousness is like a messenger preparing the world for God’s coming in response to the prayers of his people (Psalms 85:4–7; 89:14).