Psalm 85:2

Commentary on Psalm 85:2

Text

Psalm 85:2 (NKJV):
“You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people; You have covered all their sin. Selah”

Exegesis of Psalm 85:2

Psalm 85[i] is a communal prayer of restoration, likely composed after Israel’s return from exile. It reflects gratitude for God’s past mercies and petitions for renewed favour. Verse 2 sits within the opening thanksgiving (verses 1–3), where the psalmist recalls God’s gracious acts of forgiveness and restoration.

• “You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people”
  The Hebrew verb here conveys the idea of lifting or carrying away guilt. Forgiveness is not merely overlooking sin but removing its burden. In Christian theology, this points to God’s sovereign grace in pardoning His covenant people, not on the basis of their merit but His steadfast love.
• “You have covered all their sin”
  The imagery of “covering” recalls the sacrificial system, where blood atonement covered sin before God (Leviticus 17:11). Ultimately, this anticipates the perfect covering in Jesus Christ, whose atoning death does not merely cover but removes sin (Hebrews 10:10–12).
• “Selah”
  This pause invites reflection. The congregation is urged to stop and meditate on the depth of God’s mercy. Forgiveness is not a light matter; it is costly, rooted in covenant grace, and fulfilled in Christ.

Theological Insights

1. God’s Covenant Mercy
   Psalm 85:2 reminds us that forgiveness flows from God’s covenant faithfulness. Israel’s restoration after exile was not earned but granted by divine mercy. This aligns with Christian teaching on justification by grace alone through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8–9 NKJV: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”).
2. Christ as the Fulfilment
   The Psalm anticipates the gospel. The covering of sin finds its ultimate fulfilment in Jesus Christ. Romans 4:7–8 (NKJV) quotes Psalm 32: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.” Paul applies this to justification in Christ, showing continuity between Old Testament forgiveness and New Testament fulfilment.
3. Corporate and Individual Dimensions
   The Psalm speaks of “Your people.” Forgiveness is communal as well as personal. In modern Christian living, this challenges believers to see salvation not only as individual but as part of God’s redeemed community, the church.

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Meditation Guide

1. Pause and Reflect (Selah)
   Take time to consider the weight of sin and the wonder of forgiveness. Reflect on how God has carried away your guilt in Christ.
2. Gratitude for Past Mercies
   Like Israel, recall times when God has restored you. Thank Him for His faithfulness.
3. Confidence in Present Grace
   Because God has forgiven, we can approach Him with confidence. Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV): “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
4. Communal Prayer
   Pray not only for yourself but for the church. Ask God to renew His people, revive His church, and restore His favour upon the community of faith.
5. Application to Modern Living
   • Personal: Live free from guilt, knowing Christ has covered your sin.
   • Communal: Extend forgiveness to others, modelling God’s mercy.
   • Missional: Share the message of forgiveness with a world burdened by guilt and shame.

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[i] Psalm 85

New King James Version

Prayer that the Lord Will Restore Favor to the Land

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.

85 Lord, You have been favorable to Your land;
You have brought back the captivity of Jacob.
2 You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people;
You have covered all their sin. Selah
3 You have taken away all Your wrath;
You have turned from the fierceness of Your anger.

4 Restore us, O God of our salvation,
And cause Your anger toward us to cease.
5 Will You be angry with us forever?
Will You prolong Your anger to all generations?
6 Will You not revive us again,
That Your people may rejoice in You?
7 Show us Your mercy, Lord,
And grant us Your salvation.

8 I will hear what God the Lord will speak,
For He will speak peace
To His people and to His saints;
But let them not turn back to folly.
9 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,
That glory may dwell in our land.

10 Mercy and truth have met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed.
11 Truth shall spring out of the earth,
And righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12 Yes, the Lord will give what is good;
And our land will yield its increase.
13 Righteousness will go before Him,
And shall make His footsteps our pathway.