Psalm chapter 85.

Psalm 85 is a beautiful and profound expression of longing for God’s restoration and peace. Traditionally attributed to the sons of Korah, it is a psalm of communal lament and hopeful anticipation. It reflects the tension between the past experience of divine favor and the current state of distress, and it ultimately seeks God’s intervention to restore and bless His people.

### Historical and Contextual Background

This psalm is set against a backdrop of Israel's suffering and a perceived distance from God. Historically, it may have been composed during or after the Babylonian Exile, a period when the Israelites experienced significant hardship and longed for the restoration of their homeland and their relationship with God. The people had previously enjoyed God’s favor and blessings, but now they faced a time of disillusionment and hardship, questioning whether God had permanently rejected them.

### Structure and Themes

Psalm 85 can be divided into several distinct sections, each expressing different aspects of the community's cry to God and their hope for redemption.

1. **Remembrance of Past Blessings (Verses 1-3):**

The psalm opens with a grateful acknowledgment of God’s past favor. The psalmist recalls how God restored the fortunes of Jacob and forgave the iniquity of His people. This section reflects a deep sense of gratitude for past divine interventions, where God had turned away His anger and restored His people to a favorable position.

2. **Plea for Restoration (Verses 4-7):**

Transitioning from remembrance to plea, the psalmist implores God to restore the people’s fortunes once again. The community is seeking revival and renewal, asking God to end His anger and restore His favor. The tone here is one of earnest petition, with a focus on the desire for spiritual and national rejuvenation.

3. **Expectation of Divine Response (Verses 8-9):**

In this section, the psalmist expresses hope that God will speak peace to His people and that they will not return to folly. There is a deep yearning for God’s salvation and a belief that His presence will bring both peace and righteousness. The psalmist anticipates a divine response that will not only resolve the current distress but also guide the people towards a more faithful and righteous path.

4. **Vision of Future Peace and Righteousness (Verses 10-13):**

The concluding verses of the psalm offer a vision of what the restoration might look like. The imagery used is rich and hopeful: righteousness and peace are portrayed as kissing, and faithfulness springing up from the ground. The psalmist envisions a future where God’s blessings and human righteousness harmoniously coexist, leading to a time of prosperity and divine favor. The psalmist sees a future where justice and peace are intertwined, reflecting a comprehensive restoration of both social and spiritual well-being.

### Theological Reflections

Psalm 85 reflects several key theological themes:

1. **God’s Covenant Faithfulness:**

The psalm acknowledges God’s past faithfulness and highlights His ability to restore and redeem. This is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people, underscoring the belief that God’s promises are steadfast even when circumstances appear dire.

2. **The Role of Repentance and Renewal:**

The plea for restoration implies a call for repentance and a desire for a renewed relationship with God. The psalmist recognizes that the people’s distress may be linked to their own failings and sins, and thus seeks both forgiveness and a transformation of their lives.

3. **The Anticipation of Divine Peace:**

The psalm envisions a future where divine peace prevails, symbolizing a deep and holistic restoration of society and individuals. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a comprehensive state of well-being that comes from living in harmony with God’s will.

4. **Integration of Divine and Human Action:**

The psalm reflects the understanding that while God’s intervention is crucial, the response of the people also matters. There is a mutual interplay between divine action and human responsibility, where God’s blessings are expected to inspire righteousness and faithful living.

### Conclusion

Psalm 85 is a rich tapestry of lament and hope, reflecting the deep human experience of yearning for divine intervention in times of distress. It bridges past experiences of God’s favor with a hopeful anticipation of future restoration. Through its structure and themes, it offers a profound meditation on the nature of God’s relationship with His people, the role of repentance and renewal, and the vision of a future marked by divine peace and righteousness.