> [[psalm-84|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-86|Next →]] --- # Psalm 85 ## Prayer for Divine Favor 1 For the leader. A psalm of the Korahites. ^psalm-85-1 ### I 2 You once favored, LORD, your land, ^psalm-85-2 restored the captives of Jacob. 3 You forgave the guilt of your people, ^psalm-85-3 pardoned all their sins. *Selah* 4 You withdrew all your wrath, ^psalm-85-4 turned back from your burning anger. ### II 5 Restore us, God of our salvation; ^psalm-85-5 let go of your displeasure with us. 6 Will you be angry with us forever, ^psalm-85-6 prolong your anger for all generations? 7 Certainly you will again restore our life, ^psalm-85-7 that your people may rejoice in you. 8 Show us, LORD, your mercy; ^psalm-85-8 grant us your salvation. ### III 9 I will listen for what God, the LORD, has to say; ^psalm-85-9 surely he will speak of peace To his people and to his faithful. May they not turn to foolishness! 10 Near indeed is his salvation for those who fear him; ^psalm-85-10 glory will dwell in our land. 11 Love and truth will meet; ^psalm-85-11 justice and peace will kiss. 12 Truth will spring from the earth; ^psalm-85-12 justice will look down from heaven. 13 Yes, the LORD will grant his bounty; ^psalm-85-13 our land will yield its produce. 14 Justice will march before him, ^psalm-85-14 and make a way for his footsteps. \* (Psalm 85) A national lament reminding God of past favors and forgiveness ([Ps 85:2] – [4]) and begging for forgiveness and grace now ([Ps 85:5] – [8]). A speaker represents the people who wait humbly with open hearts ([Ps 85:9] – [10]): God will be active on their behalf ([Ps 85:11] – [13]). The situation suggests the conditions of Judea during the early postexilic period, the fifth century B.C.; the thoughts are similar to those of postexilic prophets ([Hg 1:5] – [11]; [2:6] – [9]). \* (85:9) The prophet listens to God’s revelation, cf. [Heb 2:1]. \* (85:11] – [13) Divine activity is personified as pairs of virtues. a. (85:2) ([[psalm-14|Ps 14]]:7]; [126:4]. b. (85:4) [Ps 78:38]; [Ex 32:14]; [Is 48:9]. c. (85:5) [Ps 80:4]. d. (85:6) [Ps 79:5]; [89:47]. e. (85:11) [Ps 89:15]; [97:2]. f. (85:12) [Is 45:8]. g. (85:13) [Ps 67:7]; [Lv 26:4]; [Ez 34:27]; [Hos 2:23] – [24]; [Zec 8:12]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[psalm-84|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-86|Next →]]