SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY on Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
With its poetic assurances of hope and its divine promises of abundance, righteousness, faithfulness, and shalom (peace), Psalm 85 has influenced many generations of Jews and Christians alike. Various Christian figures such as Thomas à Kempis and Oliver Cromwell have utilized this psalm in their reflections, writings, and movements. And why not? The Psalmist declares that God’s salvation “is at hand for those who fear [the LORD], that [the LORD’S] glory may dwell in the land.” Accompanying this comforting assurance is the ‘guarantee’ that God “will speak peace” to God’s people; that “faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.” The first verse, “you restored the fortunes of Jacob,” echoes other Old Testament verses (in Jeremiah and Ezekiel) that speak of Israel’s joyous return from exile.
This psalm is not, however, concerned solely with a far-fetched, ephemeral time in the future that will only occur upon the complete advent of the Kingdom of God. As Christians, we believe that the advent of Christ has accomplished these promises: salvation for all, righteousness, faithfulness, abundance of life, and especially shalom. According to the New Interpreter’s commentary, the repetition of “righteousness” in the psalm all but solidifies the fact that indeed God will be with God’s people and will set the world aright – promises fulfilled in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Yet there is an eschatological aspect to Psalm 85, just as in the season of Advent Christians celebrate both the birth of Christ as well as the second coming of Christ. Until the complete realization of God's Kingdom, the church is to work for peace, overcoming the violent tendencies of the world with the peace of Christ. As Stanley Hauerwas says, “You only know violence if you are already deeply embedded in peace. Peace is ontologically prior to violence.” Contrary to popular assertions, humans desire and dwell within peace more than violence. While violence may persist in the world through wars or other acts, human nature (as well as the animal kingdom) seeks to live in peace as much as possible. Apart from this natural yearning for peace, Christians bear the privilege of spreading the peace of Christ through the gospel – a gospel that seeks justice, peace, and righteousness for all people, especially for those whom the world considers “victims.” Being a lover of peace is part and parcel of being a Christian, for we worship a God who not only “speaks peace” to God’s people, but also is willing to endure a final violent act in the crucifixion to bring it about. Indeed, when God’s glory reigns in full splendor on earth, all will see that “steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.” Adveniat regnum tuum.
By Jason R. Jenkins
