Psalm 85

Authorship

This Psalm was authored by the Korahites.

Outline

(This began as Wendland's Expository Outline, but may be adapted.)

I. God has brought us back. (1)

A. He has been favorable to our land.

B. He has reversed the captivity of Jacob.

II. God has forgiven our iniquities. (2-3)

A. He has covered our sin.

B. He has taken away His wrath.

C. He has turned Himself from the fierceness of His anger.

III. God will: (4-13)

A. Turn us and cause His anger towards us to cease.

1. He will not be angry with us forever.

2. He will not extend His anger to all generations.

B. Revive us again so we can rejoice in Him.

C. Show us mercy and grant us salvation.

D. Speak peace to His people who refuse to return to folly.

E. Provide salvation to those who fear Him.

F. Let His glory dwell in our land.

G. Extend mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace:

1. Truth springing out of the earth.

2. Righteousness looking down from heaven.

H. Give that which is good so our land will yield increase.

I. Send righteousness before Him and set us in the way of His steps.

Textual Criticism

The following is from Barthélemy's Critique textuelle de l’Ancien Testament volume on the Psalms. For a key to the various symbols and abbreviations, click here.

Ps 85,9(8)A הָאֵל יְהיָה {A} MT, α', θ', σ', T // usu: G, Hebr, S

Ps 85,9(8)B וְֽאַל־יָשׁוּבוּ לְכִסְלָה {C} MT, α'σ', Hebr, T // ign-lex: S / err-graph: G וְאֶל יָשׁוּבוּ לִבָּם לֹה

Ps 85,14(13) וְיָשֵׂם {A}