Psalms 85

Ps 85:1-13.

On the ground of former mercies, the Psalmist prays for renewed

blessings, and, confidently expecting them, rejoices.

1. captivity--not necessarily the Babylonian, but any great evil

(Ps 14:7).

2, 3. (Compare

Ps 32:1-5).

3. To turn from the "fierceness," implies that He was reconcilable,

though

4-7. having still occasion for the anger which is deprecated.

5. draw out--or, "prolong"

(Ps 36:10).

8. He is confident God will favor His penitent people

(Ps 51:17; 80:18).

saints--as in

Ps 4:3,

the "godly."

9. They are here termed "them that fear him"; and grace produces

glory

(Ps 84:11).

10. God's promises of "mercy" will be verified by His "truth" (compare

Ps 25:10; 40:10);

and the "work of righteousness" in His holy government shall be "peace"

(Isa 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.

11. Earth and heaven shall abound with the blessings of this

government;

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.