Bible Glide

Psalms 85

Psalms 85 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 85 looks back on God's kindness and forward to fresh mercy. It joins confession, hope, and trust as God's people ask him to restore them again. The psalm holds together repentance and confidence that the Lord can bring peace, righteousness, and renewed life.

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What happens in Psalms 85?

This psalm begins by recalling how the Lord had shown favor, restored his people, and forgiven their sin. It then turns into a plea for renewed help, asking God to lift his displeasure, revive his people, and bring salvation again. The writer listens for God's answer and expects peace for those who fear him. The closing verses picture mercy and truth, righteousness and peace, coming together, with God providing what is good and blessing the land.

Psalm 85 is a communal prayer from the sons of Korah, likely meant for worship after a time of trouble or loss. It follows a psalm of longing for God's house and sits among prayers that move between memory, petition, and trust. In the book of Psalms, it reflects Israel's hope that the God who once restored his people can do so again.

Themes to notice

  • Memory of mercyThe psalm starts by recalling God's past forgiveness and restoration as the basis for present hope.
  • Prayer for revivalGod's people ask him to turn from anger, renew joy, and bring spiritual life again.
  • Peace and righteousnessThe closing images show God's good rule bringing harmony, faithfulness, and blessing.

Questions for Psalms 85

  • What past signs of God's help does the psalm remember before making its request?
  • What words or phrases show the difference between God's anger and his mercy?
  • How do the final verses connect God's peace with righteousness and faithfulness?

Read the full text of Psalms 85 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 85

You Showed Favor to Your Land

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.

1You showed favor to Your land, O LORD;

You restored Jacob from captivity.

2You forgave the iniquity of Your people;

You covered all their sin.

Selah

3You withheld all Your fury;

You turned from Your burning anger.

4Restore us, O God of our salvation,

and put away Your displeasure toward us.

5Will You be angry with us forever?

Will You draw out Your anger to all generations?

6Will You not revive us again,

that Your people may rejoice in You?

7Show us Your loving devotion, O LORD,

and grant us Your salvation.

8I will listen to what God the LORD will say;

for He will surely speak peace to His people and His saints;

He will not let them return to folly.

9Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,

that His glory may dwell in our land.

10Loving devotion and faithfulness have joined together;

righteousness and peace have kissed.

11Faithfulness sprouts from the earth,

and righteousness looks down from heaven.

12The LORD will indeed provide what is good,

and our land will yield its increase.

13Righteousness will go before Him

to prepare the way for His steps.

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