Psalm 85
The sons of Korah were a family of Levites that took part in the singing of psalms in the worship service of the Temple in Jerusalem. This psalm is a prayer to God for the future welfare of the nation under the rule of King David.
Verses 1 to 2 speak of God’s blessings to the land of Israel. When considering the rebellious attitude of the people, it truly is remarkable that God was “favorable to Your land” not only ending the captivity of Israel in Egypt, but also the many times God raised up Judges to free the people from oppression. The whole history of Israel recounts how God has forgiven the iniquity of His people and covered them up in His mercy, according to the promise about His Messiah. It is remarkable that God took away His wrath when He was provoked so many times. God’s wrath had come upon Israel, especially in the last days of Eli and King Saul.
Yet in Section two (verses 4 to 7) the psalmist continues to pray for God’s mercy. He asks that the “God of our salvation,” who alone can deliver them from any trouble, also turn, or restore, His people from their sinful ways so that His anger will also cease. The psalmist asks a series of questions whether God’s fierce anger will continue forever and not revive the people again as He did in the past so that they might rejoice in His salvation and give them reason to trust in Him. The section ends with a prayer for mercy and salvation. This is purely God’s gift to give, because the people have not merited it.
The next section (verses 8 to 9) is the response of those who trust in God. They will wait to hear what God will say to His people, who have repented of their sins. They expect God to speak “peace to His people and to His saints.” Saints are the believers in the Messiah’s salvation, who declare that God’s salvation is near those who fear Him, that is, show God reverence and faith.
The last section (verses 10 to 13) tells about the good blessings that God gives to the believers in Israel. The Messiah’s “salvation that is near” produces love and faithfulness, righteousness and peace. For God’s faithfulness will be seen as He keeps His promise to send a Savior. The righteousness that “looks down from heaven” is the Gospel message that proclaims the righteousness that Jesus won for the salvation of all people to be given through faith in Him.
Because of the context, where the psalmist speaks about the spiritual blessings of peace and righteousness, we are to understand the “harvest” to be that of souls. As the Lord gives what is good, the souls will be gathered to their eternal home, where they will live in peace and glory forever.