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1 To the chiefe musician, a Psalme for the sonnes of Korah. Lord, thou hast bene fauourable vnto thy land: thou hast brought backe the captiuity of Iacob.

2 Thou hast forgiuen the iniquitie of thy people, thou hast couered all their sinne. Selah.

3 Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thy selfe from the fiercenesse of thine anger.

4 Turne vs, O God of our saluation: and cause thine anger towards vs to cease.

5 Wilt thou be angry with vs for euer? wilt thou drawe out thine anger to all generations?

6 Wilt thou not reuiue vs againe: that thy people may reioyce in thee?

7 Shew vs thy mercy, O Lord; and graunt vs thy saluation.

8 I will heare what God the Lord will speake: for hee will speake peace vnto his people, and to his Saints: but let them not turne againe to folly.

9 Surely his saluation is nigh them that feare him; that glory may dwell in our land.

10 Mercy and truth are met together: righteousnesse and peace haue kissed each other.

11 Truth shall spring out of the earth: and righteousnesse shall looke downe from heauen.

12 Yea the Lord shall giue that which is good: and our land shall yeeld her increase.

13 Righteousnes shall go before him: and shall set vs in the way of his steps.

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Commentary for Psalms 85

Prayers for the continuance of former mercies. (1-7) Trust in God's goodness. (8-13)

1-7 The sense of present afflictions should not do away the remembrance of former mercies. The favour of God is the fountain of happiness to nations, as well as to particular persons. When God forgives sin, he covers it; and when he covers the sin of his people, he covers it all. See what the pardon of sin is. In compassion to us, when Christ our Intercessor has stood before thee, thou hast turned away thine anger. When we are reconciled to God, then, and not till then, we may expect the comfort of his being reconciled to us. He shows mercy to those to whom he grants salvation; for salvation is of mere mercy. The Lord's people may expect sharp and tedious afflictions when they commit sin; but when they return to him with humble prayer, he will make them again to rejoice in him.

8-13 Sooner or later, God will speak peace to his people. If he do not command outward peace, yet he will suggest inward peace; speaking to their hearts by his Spirit. Peace is spoken only to those who turn from sin. All sin is folly, especially backsliding; it is the greatest folly to return to sin. Surely God's salvation is nigh, whatever our difficulties and distresses are. Also, his honour is secured, that glory may dwell in our land. And the truth of the promises is shown by the Divine mercy in sending the Redeemer. The Divine justice is now satisfied by the great atonement. Christ, the way, truth, and life, sprang out of the earth when he took our nature upon him, and Divine justice looked upon him well pleased and satisfied. For his sake all good things, especially his Holy Spirit, are given to those who ask him. Through Christ, the pardoned sinner becomes fruitful in good works, and by looking to and trusting in the Saviour's righteousness, finds his feet set in the way of his steps. Righteousness is a sure guide, both in meeting God, and in following him

Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710.

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