Psalm 85 (84):9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The prophet proclaims with prophetic foresight, speaking of the future as if it has already occurred, for with God, what is yet to happen is perceived as achieved. He states: "Lord, You have shown favor to Your land" (Psalm 83:1), as though the act were already performed. He has rejected the captivity of Jacob, representing the ancient nation of Israel, descended from Abraham and promised to become God’s heritage. This was indeed a real nation, to whom the Old Testament was given, and in it, the New Testament was foreshadowed; that was its essence and truth. In this prophetic imagery, a promised land was granted to the people living where the Jews resided, where Jerusalem—the city we all recognize—exists. Upon claiming this land, they faced numerous tribulations from neighboring foes. Their iniquities led them into captivity—not intended for destruction, but as discipline; their Father punished and did not condemn. After being taken captive, they were liberated multiple times, and they currently find themselves in captivity again, owing to the grave sin of crucifying their Lord.

What, then, is meant by the phrase "You have rejected the captivity of Jacob"? This psalm is a song of prophecy. It speaks of Jacob's liberation, directed toward Christ, declared as "the end of the children of Koreth.” Indeed, He has turned away Jacob's captivity. Reflect on Paul's own declaration: “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” He queried, and promptly recognized the answer: "The grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 7:24-25). This divine grace is echoed by the prophet, affirming, "You have turned away the captivity of Jacob."

Consider closely the essence of Jacob's captivity: it signifies being freed not merely from physical foes, but from the iniquitous actions that enslaved them, sins through which Satan held sway. If anyone is liberated from their transgressions, the ruler of sin holds no power over them. How does He liberate Jacob from captivity? This divine rescue is profoundly spiritual and inward. "You have forgiven the iniquities of Your people; You have covered all their sins" (Psalm 83:2). This liberation occurs through the forgiveness of sins, for iniquity once bound them; but "your sins are forgiven, you are set free."

So confess your captivity, for acknowledging your bondage makes one eligible for deliverance; for how can one call upon the Savior while remaining oblivious to the enemy? "You have covered all their sins," meaning You did not see them for judgment's sake. You chose to overlook our transgressions so as not to seek vengeance. "You have appeased all Your anger; You have turned away Your wrath" (Psalm 84:3).

Though the text reflects on the future, even as the sounds fade, it continues: “Turn us, O God of our salvation” (Psalm 83:4). Why pray for what he has already prophesied as fulfilled, unless to illustrate that he speaks of future events with as if they are past? Since these predictions have yet to manifest, he prays for their realization: “Turn us, O God of our salvation, and turn away Your wrath from us.” How can he say "Turn away Your wrath from us" if he had previously affirmed, “You have quenched all Your anger”? The prophet explains: I convey my thoughts as already realized because I see them soon to unfold; yet since they remain unfulfilled, I implore their coming to fruition.

“Be not angry with us forever” (Psalm 84:5). Through God's wrath, we are bound to perish and through His fury must toil on this earth, laboring tirelessly. The curse imposed upon Adam for his sin—“You are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19)—applies to all of us, as "in Adam all die" (1 Corinthians 15:22). The judgment upon him impacts us; for although we did not exist then, we were in Adam and thus share in his fate. The sin of your father harms you only if you remain unchanged, just as it wouldn't afflict him if he were transformed. Yet all humanity inherited mortality through Adam, incurring pain, poverty, and temptation. This is God's wrath, an expression of divine retribution.

Nevertheless, this plight was destined for renewal through faith, to be overcome by resurrection; as "in Adam all die, so in Christ all shall be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:22). With this in mind, the prophet implores: "Do not be angry with us forever, nor take Your wrath out upon the generation." The first generation faced mortality due to Your indignation; the second will experience life through Your grace.

“O God, You will revive us again” (Psalm 84:6). Not as if we can turn toward You by our own strength, but that our revival and conversion come solely from You, enabling us to find new life. “And Your people shall rejoice in You.” In their wrongs, they rejoice in themselves; in their blessings, they rejoice in You. When they sought joy through their own devices, they found only regret. Now that all joy rests in God, they can rejoice freely in the eternal goodness He embodies. What worth is there in yearning for worldly riches, knowing they are fleeting? "Rejoice instead in the light that never wanes," for "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12).

He who proclaims this invites you to Him. When He beckons, He converts you; through conversion, He heals you; upon healing, you will recognize your Savior. “Show us Your mercy, O Lord, and grant us Your salvation” (Psalm 84:7); salvation that is Christ. Blessed is the one who receives God's mercy, who relinquishes pride and realizes that every good he possesses comes not through himself, but through God’s grace. When one perceives that their goodness stems solely from God, pride diminishes. In humility, they rise without fear of greater fall, and esteeming steadfastness, they will flourish, finding joy forever in their Lord. Their Creator is their delight; the joy He imparts cannot be taken or disturbed by any external force.

As stated by John in his epistle: "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet appeared" (1 John 3:2). Who would not rejoice if suddenly told they are heir to a vast estate, separated from their rightful lineage, experiencing considerable want? Trusting words from a credible source, they would find joy in their newfound identity as “sons of God” (1 John 3:2).

Thus, He has promised Himself to reveal to us the beauty of His countenance. Consider the splendor of all creation—if these things are beautiful, how magnificent must He be? Therefore, amidst our earthly affections, let us endeavor toward Him, abandoning lesser things in favor of divine love. By such love, we can purify our hearts through faith, preparing ourselves for the vision of Him—one that transforms as the angels behold Him in joy.

"I will listen" (Psalm 84:8). The prophet expresses that God spoke within him, even as life's clamor occupied the world outside. By withdrawing from worldly distractions, he turns inward towards the divine voice, shutting out the chaos of existence, burdened by fleeting concerns. He declares: "I will hear what the Lord God speaks," and anticipates the assurance of divine peace for His people. Hence, the voice of Christ calls forth peace, urging those untroubled to cultivate a passion for tranquility.

What does true peace entail? It resides where no conflict exists—no strife, no opposition. Consider where we stand now; the battle against unseen forces continues. All holy souls engage in conflict with the adversary, wrestling not outwardly but against the sinful impulses instilled by him. True peace is elusive amidst this struggle.

Even earthly provisions provide no lasting satisfaction. Hunger persists despite earthly sustenance; physical activity can provoke fatigue, weariness reemerges with every task undertaken. A perfect world must eradicate death; “this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:53).

To maintain an illusory sense of fullness through excess or abstinence ultimately leads to demise. Real rest is temporary, easily disturbed; our mortality’s weight is a testament to divine anger. However, complete and eternal peace shall finally triumph once death is swallowed in victory.

In that City, my brethren, where no friend departs, nor enemy enters, where temptation cannot destabilize the faithful; wherein we dwell with God for all eternity, shall we live in harmonious love, filled with the Spirit. “Blessed are you who turn your hearts toward God” speaks the prophet, for in Him lies our true peace.

"His salvation is near to those who fear Him" (Psalm 84:9). Present even in the midst of idol worship, some among the Jewish people still revered God. Their fear arose from earthly concerns: fear of displacement, loss of crops, or barrenness—not worshiping Him out of reverence. Despite sharing similar prayers to those who sought earthly deities, Jews addressed the Creator.

Therefore, God, though distant from Gentiles, was near to His chosen people; for He observes the faithful, as the apostle counsels: “He came and preached peace to you who were far off” (Ephesians 2:17). The proximity speaks not of geography, but of heart: those who love God draw near, while those who reject Him fall away.

This understanding guided the prophet’s thoughts; although he recognized God’s grace extended to all, he highlighted a special bond with the Jews. “I will listen to what the Lord God shall say” proclaims the promise: peace shall be granted not only to Judah but to all who place their hope in Him.

Yet His salvation will dwell uniquely with those who abide in reverence, bringing glory to the land that bore the Christ. The prophecy encapsulates the heritage and actions originating in Israel—the place of Christ’s ministry, birthplace, and where miracles unfolded.

"Mercy and truth have met" (Psalm 84:10). Truth resides within the Jewish nation, while mercy extends to the Gentiles. Where is truth? It is the embodiment of divine words, flourishing amongst those who forsake deities.

What of those distant from the faith, calling forth mercy? Indeed, for the lost, God beckons them back to Him as He seeks to forgive. For when sinners undergo transformation and repent, while divine truth prevails, they find freedom in redemption.

The Lord will provide sweet providence, and the land shall yield its bounty (Psalm 84:12). He blesses the righteous with the joy of adherence to Him, shifting desires from the fleeting pleasures of a sinful past toward the joy of holiness. Hence, those who found pleasure in wrongdoing now take delight in charitable acts, worship, and a life devoted to God.

The transformation wrought within is the result of God’s grace, who has sown the seeds of His Word in receptive hearts. The harvest produced should yield evident change, a continuation of spiritual growth marked by the fruit of righteousness in our lives—promising strength for the community in faith as well.

“Righteousness shall go before Him, and in His footsteps shall He guide us” (Psalm 84:14). This righteousness begins with the humble acknowledgment of our faults, for therein lies truth’s foundation. When one acknowledges personal shortcomings, one opens the pathway for God to enter. Thus, John calls for repentance, urging, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.”

Acknowledge past transgressions; prepare the entrance for Christ to illuminate and renew your spirit. When you confess, the Lord will arrive, guiding you toward righteousness as He directs His steps along the path set before you.

Thus, the prophetic voice resonates in the heart, just as we silently cry out “Abba, Father,” in our hearts—where the Lord hears our unvoiced prayers and speaks to those whose hearts draw near to Him. Hence, the prophet declares, "I hear what the Lord God speaks within me." Similarly, the prophet Habakkuk says, "I will stand upon my watch and see what the Lord will say to me, and what I will answer to Him" (see Hab. 2:1), indicating that he too listens for divine communication within. The psalmist's words echo this inward hearing, articulated from the heart and mind.

Do you wish to understand the essence of a heartfelt cry? Have you ever wondered why our pleas to God often come forth through tears rather than words? Jeremiah's Lamentations reveal, "The apple of my eye has not been silent" (Lamentations 2:18). "For He will speak peace to His people," referring to those Jewish believers in Christ, the anticipated Savior, along with His apostles and their disciples. "For He will speak peace to His people." Peace is proclaimed only in the midst of turmoil. "And to His saints, and to those who turn to the heart"—indicating those who first live by the flesh and then redirect their hearts toward God.

To grasp the message regarding the Jews who accepted the Savior, let us reflect on the examples previously mentioned. When a Jew reads through the book of Leviticus and the requirements enumerated there (Lev. 14)—the process by which a leper is restored, including the rituals involving a bird and the practices tied to blood, water, and hyssop—one sees that if taken literally, it bears little significance. Yet, by turning inward and understanding it spiritually, we recognize that a leper cannot rejoin God's people without revealing his condition and the need for sacrifice through blood and water.

Therefore, dear ones, if you have been spiritually unclean, remember that your healing cannot occur unless you expose your wounds to the priest. Upon presenting yourself to him, he will uncover what seemed hidden in your leprosy, revealing your sins before you. Through water and blood, you will be restored to the assembly of God—by the suffering of Christ through His blood and baptism.

Thus, you cannot attain healing from spiritual leprosy except by Christ's sacrifice and baptism. After this, it is written, "You shall sprinkle hyssop upon me, and I shall be cleansed; you shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow" (Psalm 50:9). As of now, you remain in Egypt; without partaking of the water and blood, salvation remains elusive. Should you desire protection from the destroyer that plagued this land, then take hyssop, dip it in the blood, and sprinkle it at your doorposts. When the destroyer sees the blood, he will pass by.

Why do I recount such teachings? Because it is stated, "To those who turn their hearts." Hence, God can grant peace only to those who have turned their hearts toward Him. In another interpretation, the prophet intercedes for the people, professing the words of God within, stating, "I will hear what the Lord God speaks in me." Observe that God’s communication occurs not in the ears but in the heart, as seen with Zechariah: "And the angel that spoke in me said to me" (Zech. 1:9). The angel here refers to our Lord, who reveals the Father's will and is termed by Isaiah as "the angel of great counsel" (see Isaiah 9:6).

"I will hear what the Lord God communicates within me; I will attune my heart to discern His words in me." "For He will speak peace to His people and to His saints and to those who turn their hearts." I identify three groups: the people, the saints, and those who have turned their hearts. He grants peace to His people—not to the Jews about whom Hosea proclaims, "You are not My people" (Hosea 1:9)—but to all Christians who have faith in Him. All who gather in the Church are collectively referred to as God's people. The foremost among these, excelling in spiritual life, are known as His saints, as Paul denotes in his letters to the churches and their saints. The third category encompasses "those who have turned to heart," referring to individuals who converted from sin to virtue through repentance, having previously abandoned the prudence of the heart.

Hear me, Montanus, Novat, and Maximilla, alongside other Cataphrygians who deny the possibility of repentance. The Lord speaks to His people, including many Christians and His saints, especially within the Church who have repented. Truly, blessed is he who remains untouched by sin or injury; yet, a second blessing lies in the healing after one has suffered.

"And God saw their works, that they turned from their wicked ways; and God was sorry for the evil which He had said He would bring upon them, and did not" (Jon. 3:10). "I will hear what the Lord my God will say in me, how He will pour out peace upon His people, and upon His reverend ones, and upon those who turn their hearts to Him" (Ps. 84:9). Every repentant heart will receive this peaceful response from the goodness of God. Truly blessed is the person who, having turned away from the path of the unrighteous, finds himself in true repentance. For such an individual, "the angels of God have joy with him" in heaven (Luke 15:10). If by God’s grace you are inspired to pursue this righteous endeavor, dear Christian, remain steadfast and courageous, for in the end, you shall dwell alongside the angels and glorify the benevolent God forever. It is not the beginning that is celebrated, but the conclusion. Start well, finish well, and you will be blessed. "Near to them that fear Him (God) is His salvation" (Psalm 84:10). "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life," the Lord proclaims to you (Rev. 2:10).

In the next segment, the prophet delivers an uplifting message to the Church, affirming that if it is God's prerogative to command humanity and oversee their circumstances, it is unthinkable for Him, as a loving deity, to neglect His Church. In Hebrew, the word for peace encompasses all states of well-being and success. Consequently, the essence of the phrase "As the Lord speaks peace to His people" conveys that, by God's grace, the Jewish Church shall thrive in every endeavor. The term "speaks" emphasizes the prophet's focused attention on God's promises. He could have simply articulated, "I will observe what God will accomplish." However, recognizing that the blessings God grants His Church stem from His promises, he emphasizes His word over action.

Furthermore, the prophet differentiates those who are genuinely the Lord's people from those who only bear the name of Israel. He addresses the error of hypocrites who wrongly claim to be true members of the Church, thereby tempering their pride with the recognition that they are excluded from God’s promises. They are cautioned against returning to their previous transgressions. The core of this message is that God, following His thorough correction of humanity, will ultimately extend mercy to His Church, allowing the faithful to live with greater care after enduring punishment.

This notion also explains why God may not swiftly show His mercy. Much like a physician who, after achieving some improvement, continues to care for a patient until they are fully restored—knowing that premature freedom could be detrimental—God, observing that we are gradually healed from our sins, postpones the time of mercy, as otherwise, we might relapse into wrongdoing. Thus, the prophet brings solace to the afflicted faithful by indicating that God prolongs discipline with the intention that they may genuinely repent and exercise greater diligence moving forward.

The psalm is aptly titled in its conclusion, as it reveals through divine inspiration the mysteries consummated at the end of the ages, which represent a true triumph over the adversary (Chrysostom, Theodoret). The earth was blessed when the Word of God became incarnate and dwelled among us, leading people from the bondage of demons to the liberty found in Christ. God showed favor by bestowing His blessings upon the earth and its fulfillment (Psalm 28:1), due to the obedience of the New Adam, Christ, who revoked the ancient curse (Genesis 3:19) incurred by the disobedience of the first Adam. God delights in the good and wise heart that becomes His domain, receiving His seed and yielding an abundant harvest. The reference to Jacob signifies the Christian people (Theodoret, Athanasius).