Ps. 85 - LORD Forgive Us and Restore Us

Introduction

Background

Many scholars place the setting of this psalm as post-exilic, possibly during the time of Nehemiah and Haggai[1]. Other scholars degree.[2] The issue is we have no clear historical references and there are several occasions where this prayer could have been offered. We shouldn’t be dogmatic. What we know if there was a time of Yahweh’s blessing followed by a period of His judgment upon wickedness. We also have a hopeful ending. One that speaks of the goodness and faithfulness of God toward His people. We can break this psalm into 4 parts:

The LORD’s prior favor upon His people (vs. 1 - 3)

The people cry for restoration and revival (vs. 4 - 7)

The admonition not to repeat past sins (v. 8)

A hopeful picture of the future (vs. 9 - 13)

Exposition

Verses 1 - 3: If we assume a post-exilic time period, through this isn’t necessary, the psalmist begins by reflecting on the LORD’s forgiveness and mercy. Because of repeated sin the people placed under the wrath and judgment of God, possibly being driven from the land. They were oppressed, possibly displaced for seventy years from the land with no temple, and abused by a wicked nation. Now the people have been restored, which may include returning to the land. The LORD, in His grace and mercy, shined upon His covenant people. In forgiving their sin, He removed the punishment as well.[3] In the post-exilic time period, this would include being given the means to repair the wall of Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.

Verses 4 - 7: The people find themselves again in a precarious situation. The disfavor of the LORD is again upon them. If this after the exile, then this could refer to when the returned exiles ceased the restoration of the house of the LORD and focused on their own houses (Haggai 1). In that passage the LORD, speaking through Haggai, speaks of withholding the rain and a plentiful harvest because they have neglected His house. Ezra describes serious sin that is taking place upon the people restored to the land (Ezr. 9:1-2). If not the exile, there are certainly plenty other times when the people kindled the wrath of God upon them. The books of Judges, 1 & 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles certainly reflect this reality. The psalmist is now pleading for the LORD to turn His people unto Himself, that is bring them into godly sorrow for their sin with the desire and strength to turn away.[4] Then they need the LORD to turn from His fierce anger, ending the chance of it falling on future generations. Charles Spurgeon put it this way: “We cannot see it or believe it by reason of our long woes, but thou canst make it plain to us. Others have beheld it, Lord shew it to us. We have seen thine anger, Lord let us see thy mercy. Thy prophets have told us of it, but, O Lord, do thou thyself display it in this our hour of need.”[5] Finally, The psalmist pleads for restoration, that the LORD would grant new life, as if to the spiritually dead, so His people can again rejoice in Him. This is a prayer for the covenantal love of Yahweh, his steadfast faithfulness that is the very basis for their existence and continuance as a people.

Verse 8: The psalmist has sought the LORD and now awaits a response. He expects a positive one. Spurgeon here says: “When we believe that God hears us, it is but natural that we should be eager to hear him. Only from him can come the word which can speak peace to troubled spirits; the voices of men are feeble in such a case, a plaister far too narrow for the sore; but God’s voice is power, he speaks and it is done, and hence when we hear him our distress is ended. Happy is the suppliant who has grace to lie patiently at the Lord’s door, and wait until his love shall act according to its old wont and chase all sorrow far away.”[6] In anticipation he gives a word of warning to the people. They shouldn’t and mustn’t return to the errors that caused their exile in the first place. All those who name the name of the LORD must depart from iniquity. Yahweh is holy and is to be lovingly obeyed not treated callously and with disdain.

Verses 9 - 13: Those who fear the LORD can be assured of his salvation. The psalmist is hopeful that Yahweh will act in such a way that His glory is reflected throughout the land among the people. The people with experience the faithful love, peace, truth, and righteousness of Yahweh. The land will be blessed and the people will experience good as the righteous reign of the LORD is manifested among his people.

Bibliography

1. Futato, M. D. (2009). The Book of Psalms. In Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, Vol 7: The Book of Psalms, The Book of Proverbs (p. 278). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

2. Tate, M. E. (1998). Psalms 51–100 (Vol. 20, p. 367). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.

3. VanGemeren, W. A. (2008). Psalms. In T. Longman III & D. E. Garland (Eds.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Psalms (Revised Edition) (Vol. 5, p. 639). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

4. Barnes, A. (1870–1872). Notes on the Old Testament: Psalms (Vol. 2, p. 348). London: Blackie & Son.

5. Spurgeon, C. H. (n.d.). The treasury of David: Psalms 56-87 (Vol. 3, p. 451). London; Edinburgh; New York: Marshall Brothers.

6. ibid. Pg 452