Psalm 85 (84):2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The prophet speaks of the future with the authority of prophecy, expressing it as if it were history fulfilled because, for God, future events are already realized. For example, when the psalmist declares, “Lord, Thou hast done favor to Thy land” (Psalm 83:1), it suggests a completed act. This reference to the nation of Israel, descended from Jacob and the line of Abraham, signifies those chosen who received the Old Testament. However, the New Testament finds foreshadowed truths within it. The Israelites were promised a land—a foreshadowing anchored in the city of Jerusalem. Upon inheriting this land, they faced various adversities, and their sins led them into captivity, which served as discipline rather than annihilation; their Father chastised but did not forsake them. Even after being captive, they were liberated multiple times. Currently, they remain captive due to grave sin, particularly their rejection of Christ.

Thus, what do we discern from the phrase, “Thou hast rejected the captivity of Jacob”? It’s a future prophecy sung. The psalm speaks of Jacob’s captivity being turned away, directed towards Christ who ends the captivity of Jacob. This is echoed in Paul’s confession: “I am a wretched man; who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24-25). He recognizes that deliverance comes through the grace of God in Jesus Christ. The prophet asserts to our Lord Jesus Christ, ‘You have turned away the captivity of Jacob,’ showing that this captivity isn’t just from enemies, but from the sins that dominated them. Deliverance entails liberation from sin’s grip, and when one is freed from their sins, the ruler of sinners cannot hold sway over them.

How then did He address Jacob's captivity? This liberation is spiritual and inward. In Psalm 83:2, it declares, “Thou hast forgiven the iniquities of Thy people; Thou hast covered all their sins.” Captivity stems from iniquity, and through forgiveness, they are set free. Acknowledgment of one’s captivity is vital for liberation. Recognizing one’s enemy is essential for calling upon a deliverer. “Thou hast covered all their sins” indicates that God chose not to see them in order to refrain from avenging them. He was unwilling to see our transgressions, thus He did not, as He covered them.

The prophet, speaking prophetically about the future, petitions, “Turn us, O God of our salvation” (Psalm 83:4). His prayer indicates that he is expressing a prophecy as if it were past. Although he acknowledges completeness in God’s mercy, he still cries out for fulfillment because, while he perceives the impending grace, it is yet to manifest. His plea highlights God’s promise to alleviate His anger: “Thou hast quenched all Thy anger; Thou hast turned Thyself away from Thy wrath” but simultaneously implores, “Turn away Thy wrath from us.”

Psalm 84:5 reflects our subjection to death as a result of God’s anger since all humans inherit the condemnation from Adam, asserting that “in Adam all die” (1 Corinthians 15:22). The sentence following Adam affects all generations since we existed in him when he sinned. Our ancestral mortality burdens us, evident through trials, suffering, and the decay of life—this represents God’s righteous anger. Yet, through faith, we expect to be renewed; death and mortality will be abolished in our resurrection. Indeed, “as in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).

The prophet pleads, “Do not be angry with us forever” (Psalm 84:5). The first generation faced mortality due to His wrath; the second shall experience immortality through His grace. “O God, You will turn us again and revive us” (Psalm 84:6), recognizing that true revival comes through God’s grace, not our self-initiated return. Their joy springs from God; previously, they sought satisfaction in vain pursuits but now find joy in the divine.

Through Christ, our joys and true fulfillment reside. Our salvation is anchored in becoming God’s children as John writes: “Beloved, we are now sons of God” (1 John 3:2). Just as a man rejoices upon discovering his noble lineage, so should we rejoice in our identity as children of God, promised an inheritance secured by grace. As we contemplate the beauty of God, our affection should gravitate toward Him above all other worldly distractions, purifying our hearts for the divine encounter. When God’s light manifests, let us be ready, fostering sincere faith as we yearn to experience Him as He truly is.

As the psalmist states, “I will listen to what the Lord God speaks within me” (Psalm 84:8). The prophet acknowledges the internal dialogue of the Spirit amidst external clamor, reminding us to retreat from worldly noise and listen for God’s voice, which conveys peace to His people. The state of peace signifies the absence of strife; however, the turmoil of sin and temptation indicates the struggle for true peace. Thus, we must assess our hearts and desires, striving for tranquility with God amidst ongoing battles against our urges.

The peace that God gives transcends earthly anxiety—a state of being born from truthfulness with oneself. “Righteousness shall go before Him, and He shall direct His footsteps in the way” (Psalm 84:14). This path is paved with the acknowledgment of our sins; preparation for God requires a humbled heart, willing to confront its faults. John urged repentance for the coming of the Lord—a recognition that confession clears the path for divine visitation. By openly addressing our past, we welcome Christ’s presence to guide our steps.

In sum, let us rejoice in the truth of our salvation, embracing His grace and allowing it to transform our walk in faith, nourished by righteousness as we endeavor to reflect the light of Christ in our lives.

This prophecy speaks to the return of the Israelites from Babylon and the salvation of all creation. It is understood in two ways: God bestows His grace upon the virtuous and wise heart, which has become His land, for it receives His word and produces a harvest a hundredfold.

It can be rendered more accurately in Greek: “Thou hast favored, O Lord,” meaning You have brought great delight to Yourself in Your land. You have shown favor to all the visible creations that You have designed, as reflected in the following verse: “Thou hast returned the captivity of Jacob, Thou hast put away the iniquity of Thy people, Thou hast covered all their sins” (Psalm 84:2-3).

Conversely, the Jews refer only to Judah as the land of God, which was designated for His people, whom the Lord favored after their exile, proclaiming, “You have restored the fortunes of Jacob.” In prophetic speech, the future is often portrayed as if it has already occurred: he asserts that the captive people of Jacob have been returned from their oppression. By Jacob, as we have noted before, He signifies the Christian community.

The psalm fittingly closes with a declaration that, through divine insight given to the prophet, it unveils the profound mysteries fulfilled at the end of the ages, revealing true triumph over evil (Chrysostom, Theodoret). God's favor was revealed when the Word became flesh and dwelled among us, liberating individuals from demonic captivity and restoring them to the freedom found in Christ. God's grace showered blessings upon the earth, fulfilling His promises (Psalm 28:1) due to the obedience of the New Adam, Christ, who nullified the ancient curse (Genesis 3:19) imposed because of the first Adam's disobedience. God delights in the good and wise heart that has become His own land, as it receives His word and yields abundant fruit. The reference to Jacob symbolizes the Christian community (Theodoret, Athanasius).