In the first seven verses of Psalm 85 the psalmists recognizes that the Lord has graciously restored favor to the people of Israel and has forgiven their sins. Apparently the land has just immerged from a period of being under God’s divine wrath, and have been restored to his unfailing love.
Psalm 85:8 identifies the oracle that had come from the Lord to indicate the restoration of the time of favor. Coming through a priest or a prophet was the Word from God: “peace” or “shalom” (Psalm 85:8). But, this also came with a warning to the Lord’s “faithful servants”: “Let them not turn to folly.”
The people are encouraged not to turn back to their old sinful ways, but walk in the ways of the Lord. Then, God’s very characteristics (his sovereign attributes) are personified as manifesting in nature itself.
“Love and faithfulness meet…righteousness and peace kiss…” - Psalm 85:10
The Lord’s character blesses God’s people with forgiveness, mercy, and faithfulness, but, these same traits also appear in the tangible harvest of the land which has also been shown mercy and faithfulness. The manifestation of God’s attributes are seen in the bountiful harvest in the land:
“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.”
- Psalms 85:11-13
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