The Book of Psalms
Psalm 85
Psalm LXXXV · Vol. II, p. 1042
1 The psalmist, out of the experience of former mercies, prayeth for the continuance thereof. 8 He promiseth to wait God's answer, in confidence of his manifold blessings.
To the chief musician, A psalm for1 the sons of Korah.
3 Thoud hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger.4
4 Turne us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease.
e Ps.80.3,7,19; 106.45; 90.13. Je.31.18. La.5.21.
5 Wiltg thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?
g Ps.77.7; 74.1,3; 89.46. Is.64.12. Je.14.19,21.
8 Ij will hear5 what God the LORD will speak: kfor he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but llet them not turn again to folly.
j Hab.2.1. He.12.25; 3.7,8. 1 Sa.3.9,10.
5 I will hear.—Messiah here, as prophet, instructs the church concerning that 'peace of God' which is spoken by 'the blood of his cross,' Jn.3.32. Col.1.20.—C.
k Zec.9.10. Is.57.17-20. Ep.2.17.
l Ps.130.4. 2 Pe.2.21. 2 Ti.2.19. Lu.1.74,75.
10 Mercyp and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.6
p Mi.7.20. Is.32.17,18. Ps.72.3,17. Lu.2.14. Jn.1.17. Ro.5.1,21.
6 A perfect reconciliation of mercy and truth, or justice, can never be effected in human governments or acts. When mercy is exercised towards a criminal, justice is so far sacrificed; and on the other hand, when justice is rigidly carried out, there is no place for mercy. But in the divine plan of salvation, infinite mercy and infinite justice were displayed.—P.
Notes
Ver. 2. This psalm must be descriptive of the times and sacrifice of Messiah; for at no other period did God 'cover all the sin' of his church. See Ro. 4. 7, 23-25. C.
Ver. 5. The believing remnant of the Jews here intercede for their unbelieving 'brethren, their kinsmen according to the flesh,' during the long dispersion that has succeeded the crucifixion of our Lord. C.
Ver. 11. Under a broken law there is no righteousness, except the finished work of Christ, in which all holy commandment was fulfilled, and the penalty of death endured. Righteousness looked down from heaven when Christ ascended, and 'through the eternal Spirit presented himself without spot before God.' C.
Reflections.—Present distress should never obliterate the grateful memory of God's past favours. His pardons of sin, through active faith, are all free, full, and everlasting; and when guilt is removed wrath ceases of course. Though our unfaithfulness may have plunged us into distress, God is rich in mercy and ready to turn us to himself. But no salvation can be hoped for while we continue indulging our sins. And unless he save us freely, through faith in Christ, we are undone forever. Impenitent sinners must undergo eternal pain; but earnest believers are only corrected for a time. Having experienced the power of his quickening and restoring grace, they rejoice in God their Saviour, and speak, to his glory, of the wonders of his grace. And having expected and obtained an answer to their prayers, the peace which God speaks in his promise withdraws their heart from sinning. But how sure was the promise, near the fulfilment, and great the glory of Jesus' incarnation and office! Herein the mercy, faithfulness, and equity of God appear harmoniously and brightly displayed. While Jesus, the truth, grows upward from earth, his righteous Father from heaven beholds him with pleasure. While the gospel and its influences take place among men, Jehovah manifests his righteousness in pardoning and blessing us with all spiritual blessings in Christ; in making us to abound in fruits of righteousness to the praise of his glory; and in directing us to Jesus and his law and example, that we may be led into the paths of everlasting peace.