Bible Commentaries
Psalms 85

Verse 1

Title. A Psalm. Hebrew mizmor. App-65 .

for the sons of Korah. The eighth of eleven so ascribed. See note on Psalms 42:0 , Title, and App-4 .

LORD. Hebrew Jehovah. App-4 . Thy land. Compare connection with "People" (Psalms 85:2 ), as in Deuteronomy 32:43 . Note "our" in Psalms 85:12 .

brought back the captivity = restored the fortunes, as in Psalms 126:1 .Job 42:10 . No reference to the Babylonian captivity, but to the restoration of David's fortunes after Absalom's revolt.

Jacob. Refers to the natural seed, and to the earthly and material standpoint. See notes on Genesis 32:28 ; Genesis 43:6 ; Genesis 45:26 , Genesis 45:28 .

Verse 2

iniquity = perverseness. Hebrew. 'avah. App-44 .

covered = concealed. Hebrew. kasah; not kaphar, to atone.

sin. Hebrew. chata' . App-44 .

Selah. Connecting forgiveness with (as being the basis of) millennial blessing. See App-66 .

Verse 4

Turn us. Compare "Thou hast turned" (verses: Psalms 85:2 , Psalms 85:3 ).

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .

Verse 7

mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.

Verse 8

GOD. Hebrew El. App-4 .

peace. Referring to the war with Absalom.

saints = graced ones.

not turn again: i.e. rebel, as in Absalom's case.

Verse 9

glory may dwell: i.e. the glory of Jehovah's presence in the Shekinah, in the Tabernacle.

Verse 10

met. kissed. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia. App-6 .

Verse 11

earth = land. Same word as verses: Psalms 85:1 , Psalms 85:9 , Psalms 85:12 .

Verse 12

our land, &c. Note "Thy land" in Psalms 85:1 . Compare Psalms 67:6 .