Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 85

Francis D. Nichol (ed.) and contributors

Psalms 85:1

Been favourable. God had been pleased to turn the calamities of the Jews into blessings. The statement implies that the psalmist felt there were times when God had not been gracious (see Ps. 77:7–9). Forgiven. Captivity came as a result of sin; God’s remission of punishment was considered to be evidence that God had forgiven national sin. Covered. See on Ps. 32:1. Selah. See p. 629.

Psalms 85:4

Turn. God has graciously turned toward His people. The psalmist’s prayer now is that God will bring His people to repentance. We cannot turn of our own selves; we need the grace of God (see Ps. 80:3, 7, 19). God of our salvation. See Ps. 27:9; 51:14. To cease. Verbally this statement seems to contradict the statement of v. 3, but it may be understood as referring to the effects of God’s anger. The captivity had been restored, but the land was still in a state of desolation.

Psalms 85:5

To all generations. Literally, “from generation to generation.”

Psalms 85:6

Thou. God alone can revive His people. Revive. Ezra prayed for “a little reviving in our bondage” (Ezra 9:8). May rejoice. A revival of religion brings rejoicing (see Neh. 12:27). In thee. Not in earthly blessings alone, but in God, the giver of all.

Psalms 85:8

I will hear. The psalmist has expressed his sorrow and has prayed; now he will wait calmly, quietly, for an answer of peace. What God says to us is more important than what we say to Him. Peace. Heb. shalom. Few Hebrew words are sweeter in their connotations than the word “peace” (see Ps. 29:11; 72:3, 7; 122:6–8; Num. 6:26; Isa. 9:6, 7; Zech. 6:13).

Saints. Heb. chasidim (see Additional Note on Ps. 36). The chasidim show their love for God by their way of life, and God shows His love to them (see Ps. 4:3). Folly. If, after deliverance, Israel should return to her folly, her latter end would be still worse (see Matt. 12:45; John 5:14). Instead of “let them not turn again to folly,” the LXX reads “to those who turn the heart unto him.”

Psalms 85:9

Glory. Here, evidently, the return of earthly glory and prosperity, as of old.

Psalms 85:10

Mercy and truth. The exquisite example of synonymous parallelism displayed in this verse joins in each clause the two cardinal attributes of God’s character (see Ps. 25:10; 72:3). In picturesque figures of personification the whole plan of salvation is epitomized (see 5T 633; PP 349; DA 762). Have kissed. Justice and pardon, seemingly alienated from each other, embrace as loving friends (see DA 762).

Ellen G. White

(Psalm 85:10; see EGW on James 2:13.) The Cross of Christ Moves the World—The cross of Calvary challenges, and will finally vanquish every earthly and hellish power. In the cross all influence centers, and from it all influence goes forth. It is the great center of attraction; for on it Christ gave up His life for the human race. This sacrifice was offered for the purpose of restoring man to his original perfection. Yea, more, it was offered to give him an entire transformation of character, making him more than a conqueror.

Psalms 85:11

Look down from heaven. To meet “truth” (cf. Ps. 85:10; Isa. 45:8).

Psalms 85:12

Good. See Ps. 84:11.

Psalms 85:13

Shall go before him. See Isa. 58:8. Righteousness is personified as preparing the way for restoration to divine favor (see Matt. 3:3). Shall set us. Righteousness, as a herald, prepares the way for the coming of Jehovah, who brings salvation to His people.