Psalm PSALM—NOTE ON Psalms 85:1. This is a community lament. It occurs at a time when God has shown his displeasure over his people’s unfaithfulness, perhaps by withholding fruitfulness from the land (vv. Psalms 85:1, Psalms 85:12). The people singing this are seeking forgiveness for the whole people (“us”), asking God to show the steadfast love and faithfulness he proclaimed in Exodus 34:6. Because God is righteous (Psalms 85:10, Psalms 85:13)—that is, reliable about his promises—the psalm closes with confidence.

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