July 18, 2018 (Wednesday)
The long, seventy-years exile is over. Many have come back home. But is this all there is? What of the former glory of Jerusalem, the Temple, and God’s presence? The Psalmist is grateful for what has been done, but desires more. He prays with thanksgiving, but is aware that God has more in store for His people and His land. For this he earnestly prays.
If ever a Psalm was Messianic, this is it. You can almost feel the presence of Christ in their future. Think of Jesus as you read this, especially in the final verses.
PSALM 85
New International Version (NIV)
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.
I. RESTORATION ACCOMPLISHED (1-3)
1 You, Lord, showed favor to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people
and covered all their sins.
3 You set aside all your wrath
and turned from your fierce anger.
II. REVIVAL NEEDED (4-7)
4 Restore us again, God our Savior,
and put away your displeasure toward us.
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger through all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your unfailing love, Lord,
and grant us your salvation.
III. RECONCILIATION OFFERED (8-9)
8 I will listen to what God the Lord says;
he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants–
but let them not turn to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.
IV. REDEMPTION PROMISED (10-13)
10 Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.
12 The Lord will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.
13 Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps.
REVIVE US AGAIN
Words: William P. Mackay, 1863
Music: John J. Husband, 1815
We praise Thee, O God!
For the Son of Thy love,
For Jesus Who died,
And is now gone above.
Chorus:
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Revive us again.
We praise Thee, O God!
For Thy Spirit of light,
Who hath shown us our Savior,
And scattered our night.
All glory and praise
To the Lamb that was slain,
Who hath borne all our sins,
And hath cleansed every stain.
All glory and praise
To the God of all grace,
Who hast brought us, and sought us,
And guided our ways.
Revive us again;
Fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled
With fire from above.
LISTEN
Compare three translations side by side. Click here.
New International Version (NIV)
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.
I. RESTORATION ACCOMPLISHED (1-3)
1 You, Lord, showed favor to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people
and covered all their sins.
3 You set aside all your wrath
and turned from your fierce anger.
II. REVIVAL NEEDED (4-7)
4 Restore us again, God our Savior,
and put away your displeasure toward us.
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger through all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your unfailing love, Lord,
and grant us your salvation.
III. RECONCILIATION OFFERED (8-9)
8 I will listen to what God the Lord says;
he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants–
but let them not turn to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.
IV. REDEMPTION PROMISED (10-13)
10 Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.
12 The Lord will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.
13 Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps.
REVIVE US AGAIN
Words: William P. Mackay, 1863
Music: John J. Husband, 1815
We praise Thee, O God!
For the Son of Thy love,
For Jesus Who died,
And is now gone above.
Chorus:
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Revive us again.
We praise Thee, O God!
For Thy Spirit of light,
Who hath shown us our Savior,
And scattered our night.
All glory and praise
To the Lamb that was slain,
Who hath borne all our sins,
And hath cleansed every stain.
All glory and praise
To the God of all grace,
Who hast brought us, and sought us,
And guided our ways.
Revive us again;
Fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled
With fire from above.
LISTEN