According to Matthew Henry, Psalm 85 was likely written during the time of Israel’s return to their homeland after seventy years of Babylonian captivity. Penned by the worship leaders, the sons of Korah, it describes their physical restoration to the land of promise. 

As I read it, I’m reminded that much of what God did (and will do) physically for Israel serves as a picture of what He has done (and will do) spiritually for the church. Here are some examples from this psalm.

O Lord, You showed favor to Your land; You restored the captivity of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin. Selah. You withdrew all Your fury; You turned away from Your burning anger (verses 1-3).

Before Christ, we were slaves of sin (John 8:34; Romans 6:6, 17-20). We were held captive in Satan’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14, 2 Timothy 2:26). Through the atonement Christ made on the cross, we find forgiveness of our sins (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 2:2, 4:10; Matthew 26:28; Acts 5:31; 1 John 1:9). God withdrew His wrath from us and poured it out instead on Christ (John 3:36; Romans 1:18, 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 5:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Restore us, O God of our salvation, and cause Your indignation toward us to cease. Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? Will You not Yourself revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your lovingkindness, O Lord,and grant us Your salvation (verses 4-7).

When we repent, instead of experiencing God’s anger and indignation against our sin, we receive His mercy (His lovingkindness). His heart is moved to revive us, giving us new life, a new spirit (His Spirit), and a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4; Ephesians 1:13). Repentance brings joy—a reason for us to rejoice in Christ, as well as causing rejoicing in heaven (Acts 3:19; Luke 15:7-10; Isaiah 12:3; Psalm 51:12; John 15:11; Acts 13:52; Romans 15:13).

I will hear what God the Lord will say; for He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land. Lovingkindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth springs from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven (verses 8-11).

God’s indwelling Spirit speaks to us words of peace, convicting, reproving, and teaching us, while warning us not to return to our old ways but to continue living in obedience, righteousness, and truth (Romans 8:6, 14:7; John 14:26, 16:8).

Indeed, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its produce. Righteousness will go before Him and will make His footsteps into a way (verses 12-13).

God causes all things to work together for good for those who belong to Him (Romans 8:28). He gives good gifts to bless us and to equip us to serve Him (James 1:17; 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12). He produces His fruit through us as we surrender and abide in Him (John 15:1-8; Galatians 5:22; Colossians 1:10; James 3:17). He guides and directs us as we follow His word and His ways (John 16:13; Matthew 4:19; Matthew 10:38-39; Luke 9:23; John 8:12; John 10:27; James 1:5; Joshua 1:8; Isaiah 30:21).

What a blessed life it is to know Christ, to know His Word, and to follow Him! What a delight it is to discover and explore our salvation in the pages of scripture, not just in the New Testament but in the Old as well.

 The more we learn of the goodness of our God, the more we say with the psalmist, Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits (Psalm 103:1-2)!