Psalms 85:1

PSALM LXXXV

Thanksgiving to God for restoration to the Divine favour, 1-3;

prayer for farther mercies, 4-7;

the psalmist waits for a gracious answer in full confidence of

receiving it, 8.

He receives the assurance of the greatest blessings, and exults

in the prospect, 9-13.

NOTES ON PSALM LXXXV

The title of this Psalm we have seen before, Psalms 42:1. As to the time, it seems to have been written during, or even after, the return from the Babylonish captivity. In the three first verses the psalmist acknowledges the goodness of God in bringing the people back to their own land; he next prays to God to restore them to their ancient prosperity. In the spirit of prophecy, he waits on God, and hears him promise to do it; and then exults in the prospect of so great a good. The whole Psalm seems also to have a reference to the redemption of the world by Jesus Christ.

Verse Psalms 85:1. Lord, thou hast been favourable] Literally, Thou hast been well pleased with thy land.

Thou hast brought back the captivity] This seems to fix the time of the Psalm to be after the return of the Jews from Babylon.