851 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. Lord, thou wast favorable to thy land; thou didst restore the fortunes of Jacob. 2 Thou didst forgive the iniquity of thy people; thou didst pardon all their sin. [Selah] 3 Thou didst withdraw all thy wrath; thou didst turn from thy hot anger.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 85:1-3
Commentary on Psalm 85:1-7
(Read Psalm 85:1-7)
The sense of present afflictions should not do away the remembrance of former mercies. The favour of God is the fountain of happiness to nations, as well as to particular persons. When God forgives sin, he covers it; and when he covers the sin of his people, he covers it all. See what the pardon of sin is. In compassion to us, when Christ our Intercessor has stood before thee, thou hast turned away thine anger. When we are reconciled to God, then, and not till then, we may expect the comfort of his being reconciled to us. He shows mercy to those to whom he grants salvation; for salvation is of mere mercy. The Lord's people may expect sharp and tedious afflictions when they commit sin; but when they return to him with humble prayer, he will make them again to rejoice in him.