Psalm 85:8

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 85:8-13

We have here an answer to the prayers and expostulations in the Ps. 85:1-7. I. In general, it is an answer of peace. This the psalmist is soon aware of (Ps. 85:8), for he stands upon his watch-tower to hear what God will say unto him, as the prophet, Hab. 2:1, 2. I will hear what God the Lord will speak. This intimates, 1. The stilling of his passions?his grief, his fear?and the tumult of his spirit which they occasioned: ?Compose thyself, O my soul! in a humble silence to attend upon God and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 85:8

I will hear what God the Lord will speak ,.... This the psalmist says in the name of the people of the Jews, whom he represents, in all the foregoing expostulations and petitions, refusing to be still and quiet, and wait and listen for an answer to the above request from the Lord, who speaks by his providences, word, and Spirit; see Habakkuk 2:1 , for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints ; as he does in his word, which is the Gospel of peace; and by his ministers, who... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 85:8

I will hear what God the Lord will speak - The psalmist goes as a prophet to consult the Lord; and, having made his request, waits an answer from the spirit of prophecy. He is satisfied that the answer will be gracious; and having received it he relates it to the people. He will speak peace - He will give prosperity to the people in general; and to his saints - his followers, in particular. But let them not turn again to folly - Let them not abuse the mercy of their God, by sinning... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 85:8

Verse 8 8.I will hear what God Jehovah will speak. The prophet, by his own example, here exhorts the whole body of the Church to quiet and calm endurance. As he had burst forth under the influence of strong emotion into a degree of vehemence, he now restrains himself as it were with a bridle; and in all our desires, be they never so devout and holy, we must always beware of their running to excess. When a man gives indulgence to his own infirmity, he is easily carried beyond the bounds of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 85:1-13

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 85:1-13

Temporal mercies of little avail without such as are spiritual. There had been great outward mercies (see Psalms 85:1-3 ). Probably the wonderful deliverance of Judah, Jerusalem, and Hezekiah from the threatened might of Assyria was the occasion of this burst of thanksgiving. But the psalmist—it may have been Isaiah himself—whilst grateful, indeed, for God's deliverance, as he well might be, was nevertheless sore distressed at the spiritual condition of his countrymen (see Isaiah's... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 85:8

I will hear what God the Lord will speak; i.e. "I will wait now and hear the Divine answer to my prayers" (comp. Habakkuk 3:1 , "I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me"). For he will speak peace unto his people. He will give them a gentle answer—one breathing peace and loving kindness. And to his saints. And especially he will so answer the elite of his people—the khasidim, "his saints," or "loving ones." But let... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 85:8

The purpose of God's gracious chastenings. "He will speak peace …but let them not turn again to folly." The spirit of this psalm is compounded of penitence and praise, humility and hope; inspired by great troubles and great deliverances. This verse expresses what we may call the moral, the very heart of the psalm; the golden link between the thanksgivings blended with confessions of Psalms 85:1-7 , and the splendid promises of Psalms 85:9-13 . The lesson is twofold—first, that sin is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 85:8

What God the Lord will speak. Note, by way of introduction, that we have here: 1 . A personal resolve. "I will hear." Some would not; others could not; others would offer to hear for him and report; but the psalmist makes the wise resolve that he will hear for himself. It is ever best to go direct to God, and employ no intermediaries. 2 . It is also a firm resolve. Whether the word be rendered "I will," or "I would," or "let me hear," it denotes resolve. And no one will ever... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 85:8

Expectancy of grace. Illustrate by the words of the Prophet Habakkuk ( Habakkuk 2:1 ), "I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me." The psalmist had been praying for full restoration, and gracious requickening of the national life. And the text reveals his attitude after prayer. Of answer he felt assured. Then for it he waits watchfully. His attitude is one of expectancy. And that attitude honours God. The New Testament... read more

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