Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

“Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” (Psalm 85:10)

This psalm reflects the tension of living between promise and fulfillment. When the people of God had experienced the beginnings of his grace in the return from exile (vv. 1–3), they still suffered hardships in the early postexilic period (vv. 4–7). At the same time, they were still hearing future blessings promised to them (vv. 8–13). It reflects the tension of having been forgiven and still being in need of forgiveness. This psalm also shows us that OT worship consisted of more than a mere monologue; Yahweh was expected to answer. The first half consists of prayer addressed to him (vv. 1–7) and the second half of an anticipation of his answer (vv. 8–13). The enveloping concern of the psalm is that of the land and its harvest (vv. 1, 12).

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