Psalm 85 and restoration and revival: a social media post by a Reformed Presbyterian pastor cited Psalm 85:6 as a prayer for revival. While this is technically true, he intended the verse for Christian revival. It can certainly be applied to us as an example of prayer for revival. But the entire context of the Psalm is Israel’s spiritual revival and restoration in the land.
In a different post I noted the following,
A Covenant Theology writer has referred to Ezekiel 36:25-27 as a beautiful illustration of the Christian’s conversion. While believers can certainly look to these verses with comfort, the context is directed at a future national Israel. The rest of the chapter goes on to describe the physical land promises. Again, if Christians can take heart in this, then so must Israel.
So this is another example where someone takes an Old Testament verse and applies it for the church. It is often fine to appeal to snippets of passages for use as Christian examples (with caution). However, we must not lose sight of their original intent in a manner which would negate Israel’s future salvation and restoration.
Interestingly, BibleGateway refers to Psalm 85 as, Prayer that the Lord Will Restore Favor to the Land. But it must include spiritual revival as we find in Jeremiah 31 and Ezekiel 36.
Psalm 85
A Psalm of the sons of Korah
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.
Maranatha!
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