Revive Us Again: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Psalm 85

Executive Summary ✨

Psalm 85, a prayer for national restoration and spiritual renewal, resonates deeply with the Coptic Orthodox tradition. This Psalm cries out for God’s mercy, forgiveness, and ultimately, His reviving presence. It begins by recalling past deliverance and then implores God to look upon His people with favor once more. The Psalmist yearns for an end to God’s apparent displeasure, a restoration of fellowship, and a renewed experience of His lovingkindness. The Psalm culminates in a powerful declaration of hope, anticipating a future where righteousness and peace embrace, and where God’s glory dwells in the land. Ultimately, Psalm 85 is a timeless plea for God to revive us again, both as individuals and as a community, so that we may rejoice in Him.

Psalm 85, a lament and plea for divine intervention, speaks directly to the soul seeking revival and restoration. This psalm explores the themes of forgiveness, repentance, and the yearning for God’s favor, providing a rich tapestry of spiritual insight for the Coptic Orthodox believer. This verse-by-verse commentary will delve into the depths of this powerful prayer, drawing upon scripture, patristic wisdom, and the rich traditions of our Church to illuminate its timeless message and application to our lives.

Commentary on Psalm 85

Psalm 85:1-3 (KJV)

“Lord, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah. Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger.”

Psalm 85:1-3 (NKJV)

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

The Psalm opens with a remembrance of God’s past faithfulness. The phrase “favorable unto thy land” evokes images of the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey, blessed by God’s presence. The “captivity of Jacob” refers to the various periods of exile endured by the Israelites, most notably the Babylonian captivity. The Coptic Orthodox perspective sees in this a parallel to our own spiritual captivity – our enslavement to sin and the world. God’s forgiveness, the “covering” of sin, is a foundational doctrine. As St. Athanasius teaches, ἀυτὸς γὰρ ἄνθρωπος οὐκ ἂν δυνήθη ἀφανίσαι τὴν κατάραν, ἀλλ’ ὁ Θεὸς μόνον, ὁ ἐπιφανεὶς διὰ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. (Autos gar anthropos ouk an dynethe aphanisai ten katarán, all’ ho Theos mónon, ho epiphaneis dia tou Iēsou Christou – “For man could not undo the curse, but only God, who appeared through Jesus Christ.” – *Contra Gentes*, 41). This highlights the divine initiative in salvation. “Selah” encourages us to pause and meditate on these profound truths. Applying this to modern life, we can recognize and give thanks for God’s past blessings and acknowledge our own need for His forgiveness. We must also remember that effective communication with God through repentance opens the door to a transformed life.

Psalm 85:4-7 (KJV)

“Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease. Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations? Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation.”

Psalm 85:4-7 (NKJV)

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

The Psalmist now transitions from remembrance to supplication. The plea to “turn us” speaks to our inherent inclination towards sin. We need God to actively re-orient our hearts and minds towards Him. The question, “Wilt thou be angry with us for ever?” expresses the fear of perpetual separation from God. This isn’t a challenge to God’s justice, but an appeal to His boundless love and mercy. The central verse, “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” encapsulates the core theme of the psalm. Spiritual revival is not merely a return to the status quo, but a renewed experience of God’s joy and presence. St. Cyril of Alexandria emphasizes the importance of divine grace in this process, saying, “Θεοῦ γὰρ ἐστὶν ἡ χάρις ἡ ἀνακαινίζουσα τὸν ἄνθρωπον.” (Theou gar estin hē charis hē anakainizousa ton anthrōpon – “For the grace of God is what renews man.”) (*Commentary on Isaiah*, 49:2). “Show us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation” acknowledges that both mercy and salvation are gifts from God, not something we can earn. Practically, this section calls us to constant prayer for spiritual renewal, recognizing our dependence on God’s grace and mercy. We must also examine our own hearts, identifying and repenting of those things that separate us from Him.

Psalm 85:8-9 (KJV)

“I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.”

Psalm 85:8-9 (NKJV)

“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. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land.”

The Psalmist adopts an attitude of attentive listening. “I will hear what God the Lord will speak” demonstrates a willingness to be guided by God’s voice. God’s promise of “peace” (shalom) is not simply the absence of conflict, but a holistic well-being encompassing spiritual, emotional, and physical wholeness. “Let them not turn again to folly” is a crucial warning. Forgiveness and revival are not licenses for continued sin. True repentance involves a turning away from our old ways. The fear of the Lord, reverence and awe, is the foundation for receiving salvation. The ultimate goal is that “glory may dwell in our land,” a manifestation of God’s presence and character in our midst. In our lives, we must cultivate a spirit of listening to God through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Church. We must also be vigilant against temptation, striving to live lives of obedience and holiness. This will then foster a personal environment where Gods glory may dwell.

Psalm 85:10-13 (KJV)

“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.”

Psalm 85:10-13 (NKJV)

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

This section presents a beautiful vision of restored harmony and divine blessing. “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” depicts the reconciliation of seemingly opposing attributes of God. God’s mercy does not negate His justice, nor does His justice negate His mercy. They are perfectly balanced in His character. This is epitomized in Christ’s sacrifice. “Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven” suggests a reciprocal relationship between humanity and God. Humanity embraces truth, and God responds with righteousness. “Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase” speaks to the tangible blessings of God’s favor. A restored relationship with God leads to prosperity and abundance. “Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps” emphasizes that righteousness is not merely a legalistic requirement but a pathway to intimacy with God. We are called to follow in the footsteps of Christ, living lives of love, compassion, and service. This culminates the ultimate aim of this Psalm, in that we may know God in truth.

Subtopic: The Urban and Environmental Context of Psalm 85 🌍🏙️

Psalm 85’s plea for God to “give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase” gains particular resonance when considering the ancient urban and environmental context. The Israelites were deeply connected to the land, their livelihood and spiritual well-being intertwined with its fertility.

• Dependence on Agriculture: Ancient Israel was an agrarian society. The health of the land directly impacted their survival. Drought, famine, and pestilence were seen as signs of God’s displeasure (Deuteronomy 28).
• Urban Centers as Reflections of Spiritual Health: Cities like Jerusalem were not simply centers of commerce but also symbols of the nation’s spiritual condition. Corruption and injustice within the city reflected a deeper moral decay.
• Environmental Stewardship: While the concept of modern environmentalism didn’t exist, the Old Testament emphasizes the importance of caring for the land (Leviticus 25). Neglecting the land was seen as a form of disobedience to God.
• Water as a Precious Resource: Water scarcity was a constant challenge. Rainfall was viewed as a direct blessing from God. The Psalmist’s longing for revival included a yearning for abundant rainfall and fertile harvests.
• The Temple and the Land: The Temple in Jerusalem served as the central place of worship and sacrifice. The land was consecrated to God, and its produce was offered as sacrifices. This further emphasized the interconnectedness between spiritual and physical well-being.
• Modern Application: Today, we can apply these principles to our own context. We are called to be responsible stewards of the earth, recognizing that our actions have spiritual consequences. We must also strive for justice and righteousness in our cities, seeking to create communities that reflect God’s love and care.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Psalm 85:

What does it mean to “revive us again?”

To “revive us again” signifies a restoration of spiritual vitality, a renewed experience of God’s presence, and a turning away from sin. It’s not merely returning to a previous state, but a deeper, more transformative encounter with God’s grace. This allows people to live a more fulfilling life.

How does Psalm 85 relate to the Coptic Orthodox concept of repentance?

Psalm 85 strongly emphasizes the need for repentance as a prerequisite for revival. The Psalmist acknowledges past sins and pleads for God’s forgiveness. This aligns with the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on the Sacrament of Confession and the ongoing process of spiritual purification.

What is the significance of “mercy and truth meeting together?”

The phrase highlights the harmonious balance between God’s mercy and His justice. God’s mercy doesn’t negate the consequences of sin, but it offers forgiveness and restoration. Similarly, God’s justice is tempered by His love and compassion, ensuring that punishment is always redemptive. In the Coptic Orthodox Church, we believe in the balance of justice and mercy.

How can I apply the message of Psalm 85 to my daily life?

Psalm 85 invites us to examine our own hearts, confess our sins, and seek God’s forgiveness. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of listening to God’s voice and to live lives of righteousness and obedience. By doing so, we can experience the joy and peace that come from a restored relationship with God.

Conclusion

Psalm 85 stands as a timeless testament to the human longing for God’s presence and blessing. It reminds us of our constant need for repentance, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal. The plea to revive us again is not a one-time prayer but an ongoing cry of the heart. By turning to God in humility and faith, we can experience the joy of His salvation, the peace of His presence, and the abundance of His blessings. Let us, as Coptic Orthodox Christians, embrace the message of Psalm 85, seeking a continuous revival in our own lives and in our communities, so that the glory of God may dwell in our land and in our hearts. This Psalm reminds us of our deep connection with God and our need for his constant grace.

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Psalm 85, Revive Us Again, Coptic Orthodox, Commentary, Theology, Patristic, Repentance, Forgiveness, Salvation, Revival

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Dive into a Coptic Orthodox verse-by-verse commentary on Psalm 85 – Revive Us Again. Explore its spiritual meaning, patristic insights, and application to modern life.