Bible Commentaries

JFB Critical & Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Psalms 85

Verse 1

Psalm 85:1-13. On the ground of former mercies, the Psalmist prays for renewed blessings, and, confidently expecting them, rejoices.

captivity — not necessarily the Babylonian, but any great evil (Psalm 14:7).

Verse 2-3

(Compare Psalm 32:1-5).

Verse 3

To turn from the “fierceness,” implies that He was reconcilable, though

Verses 4-7

having still occasion for the anger which is deprecated.

Verse 5

draw out — or, “prolong” (Psalm 36:10).

Verse 8

He is confident God will favor His penitent people (Psalm 51:17; Psalm 80:18).

saints — as in Psalm 4:3, the “godly.”

Verse 9

They are here termed “them that fear him”; and grace produces glory (Psalm 84:11).

Verse 10

God‘s promises of “mercy” will be verified by His “truth” (compare Psalm 25:10; Psalm 40:10); and the “work of righteousness” in His holy government shall be “peace” (Isaiah 32:17). There is an implied contrast with a dispensation under which God‘s truth sustains His threatened wrath, and His righteousness inflicts misery on the wicked.

Verse 11

Earth and heaven shall abound with the blessings of this government;

Verse 12-13

and, under this, the deserted land shall be productive, and men be “set,” or guided in God‘s holy ways. Doubtless, in this description of God‘s returning favor, the writer had in view that more glorious period, when Christ shall establish His government on God‘s reconciled justice and abounding mercy.

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