Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 85
Charles Ellicott Commentary
Psalms 85
Charles Ellicott Commentary
Psalms 85
"Jehovah, thou hast been favorable unto thy land; Thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob." — Psalms 85:1 (ASV)
You have brought back. —See Psalms 14:7; Psalms 68:18. The expression might only imply generally a return to a state of former prosperity, as in Job 42:10, but the context directs us to refer especially to the return from exile. (See Introduction.)
"Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people; Thou hast covered all their sin. Selah" — Psalms 85:2 (ASV)
Forgiven. —Rather, taken away. (See Psalm 32:1.)
"Turn us, O God of our salvation, And cause thine indignation toward us to cease." — Psalms 85:4 (ASV)
Turn us. —Here equivalent to restore us once more. If, the poet felt, the captivity had taught its lesson, why, on the restoration, did not complete freedom from misfortune ensue? It is this which supplies the motive of his song.
"I will hear what God Jehovah will speak; For he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: But let them not turn again to folly." — Psalms 85:8 (ASV)
Speak peace ... —This word “peace” comprehends all that the nation sighed for:
“Peace,
Dear nurse of arts, plenties, and joyful truth.”
To Christians the word has a higher meaning still, which directed the choice of this psalm for Christmas Day.
Folly. —See Psalms 14:1; Psalms 49:13. Here it most probably implies idolatry.
"Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him, That glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth springeth out of the earth; And righteousness hath looked down from heaven." — Psalms 85:9-11 (ASV)
The exquisite personification of these verses is, it has been truly remarked, exactly in Isaiah’s manner. (See Isaiah 32:16 and following, Isaiah 45:8; Isaiah 59:14.) It is an allegory of completed national happiness, which, though presented in language peculiar to Hebrew thought, is nonetheless universal in its application. Nor does it stop at material blessings, but lends itself to the expression of the highest truths.
The poet sees once more the glory which had so long deserted the land come back—as its symbol, the ark, once came back—and take up its abode there. He sees the covenant favour once more descend and meet the divine faithfulness, which perplexed minds had recently doubted, but which the return of prosperity has now confirmed. Righteousness and peace, or prosperity, these inseparable brothers, kiss each other and fall lovingly into each other’s arms.
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