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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 85, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.] LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. {for the sons: or, of the sons} {favourable: or, well pleased}
Psalms 85:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.
Psalms 85:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned {thyself} from the fierceness of thine anger. {thyself...: or, thine anger from waxing hot}
Psalms 85:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease.
Psalms 85:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?
Psalms 85:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
Psalms 85:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.
Psalms 85:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 I will hear what God the LORD 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 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9 Surely his salvation {is} nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.
Psalms 85:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed {each other}.
Psalms 85:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
Psalms 85:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12 Yea, the LORD shall give {that which is} good; and our land shall yield her increase.
Psalms 85:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13 Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set {us} in the way of his steps.
Psalms 85:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.