Psalm 85 – Show Favor
In Psalm 85 – showed favor, we hear how God showed favor to the land. How does God show favor? What do we learn from Psalm 85?
Psalm 85
Psalm 85 – showed favor begins with the statement that God showed favor by forgiving sins.
“You, Lord, showed favor to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins.
You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger.” (1-3)
Based on what happened in the past, the writer asks God to show favor again.
“Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us.
Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations?
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your unfailing love, Lord, and grant us your salvation.” (4-7)
He reminds us of what God has promised: “I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants.” (8)
The psalm concludes with this beautiful passage about justice and peace kissing. As one commentator stated about this passage: “This is a lovely and highly imaginative picture of the reconciliation and reunion of God and man, ‘the bridal of the earth and sky.’” Psalm 85:10 Commentaries: Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
“Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.
The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.
Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.” (10-13)
Showed Favor
So how does God show favor? Through forgiveness. God forgives seventy times seven (Mt. 18: 21-22), or an unlimited amount. God repeatedly forgave Israel for their sins. But even more than that, God brings reconciliation and harmony, restoring order as we hear in verses 10-13 where love (in some translations mercy) and faithfulness (in some translations truth) meet and righteousness and peace kiss.
“In the biblical narrative, the concepts of mercy and truth are frequently intertwined, reflecting the character of God and His expectations for human conduct. These attributes are foundational to the covenant relationship between God and His people, and they are essential for understanding the moral and ethical teachings of the Bible.” Topical Bible: The Role of Mercy and Truth
”Mercy without truth can lead to permissiveness, while truth without mercy can become harsh and condemning …
“The merging of mercy and truth, righteousness and peace, paints a picture of reconciliation and unity. Think about it – how often do mercy and truth seem at odds with each other in our daily lives? And yet, this verse reminds us that they can coexist and complement each other. It challenges us to strive for a balance between compassion and honesty, understanding that both are essential for a harmonious existence.” What does Psalms 85:10 really mean? – God’s Blessing
We hear that truth will spring from the earth. This will bring love. Justice/righteousness goes before God, bringing true and lasting peace. “Justice will march before him, and make a way for his footsteps.” (14)
God leaves us his footsteps that we might follow in his ways.
Love and Mercy
In the New American Bible translation, verses 11-12 read, “Love and truth will meet; justice and peace will kiss. Truth will spring from the earth; justice will look down from heaven.” (Please note, many psalms in Catholic Bibles have a slightly different numbering from Protestant Bibles.)
Faithfulness is translated as truth, righteousness as justice. Small differences yet significant. We see that love and truth are connected. Is it possible to love where there is no truth? True love is not based on lies or fabrications. It comes out of knowing our beloved, faults and all. Satan is said to be the prince of lies. If you live in lies, surround yourself with untruth, how can you love?
One commentator, talking about mercy and truth in Psalm 85, equates mercy with love.
“‘Mercy and Truth.’ What are the meanings of the two words? Mercy is love that stoops, love that departs from the strict lines of desert and retribution. Mercy is Love that is kind when Justice might make it otherwise. It is Love that condescends to that which is far beneath. Thus the ‘Mercy’ of the Old Testament covers almost the same ground as the ‘Grace’ of the New Testament. And Truth blends with Mercy …
“Again, dear brethren! let me remind you that these two are the ideal two, which as far as God’s will and wish are concerned, are the only two that would mark any of His dealings with men. When He is, if I may so say, left free to do as He would, and is not forced to His ‘strange act’ of punishment by my sin and yours, these, and these only, are the characteristics of His dealings.” Psalm 85:10 Commentaries: Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Psalm 85 – Showed Favor
In Psalm 85 – showed favor, God shows favor through forgiveness, through his footsteps – guidance, but even more through his mercy and truth, righteousness and peace, wherein he brings harmony to a world in discord.
“God’s mercy and love are profound and enduring truths that permeate the biblical narrative. They reveal the heart of God and His desire for a restored relationship with humanity. Through His mercy and love, God offers redemption and calls His people to live in a manner that reflects His character.” Topical Bible: God’s Mercy and Love
And so, we are called to show favor, following the example of our God.
How are you reflecting the character of God?
(For another take on this psalm, see Psalm 85: Aiming for Heaven – Patricia M Robertson)
This post is part of a series of blog posts on the Psalms. Sign up to follow this blog and receive a free copy of Still Dancing, the second book in my Dancing through Life Series. click here to sign up
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