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Psalm 86 is classified by most scholars as a psalm of individual lament, in which an individual expresses the pain of his present condition and seeks relief from God. However, most of the elements of complaint are in the early part of the psalm, with only verse 14 and verse 17 from our selection expressing … Continue reading “Psalm 86:11-17 Commentary by Scott Shauf”

No small amount of ink has been spilled trying to sort out the structure of this prayer song of the individual. Hans-Joachim Kraus believes the poem to be plagued by copy errors1 while James L. Mays sees it as a prayer comprised of snippets from other psalms and scriptures have been crafted into an original creation.2 … Continue reading “Psalm 86:11-17 Commentary by Walter C. Bouzard”

An interpretation of Psalm 85:8-13 needs first to find a context in the whole of Psalm 85. The psalm is a prayer in the midst of crisis for the ancient faith community. They prayed for joy, joy that can come from God’s presence in the midst of the community. It is divided into three parts: … Continue reading “Psalm 85:8-13 Commentary by W. H. Bellinger, Jr.”

Reflecting on Psalm 85:8-13 without the first 13 verses is akin to a liturgy that omits the call and prayer of confession, moving instead straight to the assurance of pardon. The words are applicable alone, yet are designed as part of a whole. The psalm is a communal prayer for help and can be divided … Continue reading “Psalm 85:8-13 Commentary by Beth L. Tanner”

This psalm lection contains a magnificent constellation of biblical terms, portraying them with a striking intimacy that catches modern readers off guard: “righteousness and peace will kiss each other” (verse 10)? This psalm lection contains a magnificent constellation of biblical terms, portraying them with a striking intimacy that catches modern readers off guard: “righteousness and … Continue reading “Psalm 85:8-13 Commentary by James K. Mead”

Psalm 85 is a communal prayer for help and verses 8-13 express confidence that the help prayed for will indeed come. Thus, the lectionary reading comprises the portion of the psalm that announces and describes the coming of salvation. It is set within the larger context of complaint and petition. At the beginning of the … Continue reading “Psalm 85:8-13 Commentary by Jerome Creach”

The psalm assigned for last week (Advent 1) included a thrice-repeated refrain that included the petition, “Restore us, O God” (80:3, 7, 19). This week’s psalm expands on the motif of restoration. In v. 1, the psalm recalls that God had “restored the fortunes of Jacob” in the past. In v. 4 it renews the … Continue reading “Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Commentary by Rolf Jacobson”

The biblical texts for the second week of Advent are Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, and Mark 1:1-8. The prophetic voice in Isaiah confidently claims an end to exile as the “Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him.” In Mark, the gospel writer opens by declaring the “beginning … Continue reading “Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Commentary by W. Dennis Tucker, Jr.”

Sometimes we get confused early in the season of Advent, thinking we have a holy obligation to keep all joy and glory on hold until late in December. We get some John the Baptist-style scolding that we better celebrate (or not celebrate!) Advent properly, this dour season of repentance the surrounding culture doesn’t understand. Was … Continue reading “Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Commentary by James Howell”

Throughout life, we humans sometimes identify certain places or times as special. Often the result of interaction with one or more other persons, these places and times take on added meaning. The same is true of religion. Various times and places can come to be identified as sacred or holy for various reasons. Such designations … Continue reading “Psalm 84:1-7 Commentary by Bobby Morris”