You forgave the iniquity of Your people;This phrase highlights God's mercy and willingness to forgive the sins of His people, Israel. The term "iniquity" refers to moral corruption or wickedness, indicating a deep-seated sinfulness. In the Old Testament, forgiveness is often associated with the sacrificial system established in the Law of Moses, where the shedding of blood was required for atonement (
Leviticus 17:11). This forgiveness is a foreshadowing of the ultimate forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross provides atonement for all humanity's sins (
Hebrews 9:22). Historically, this forgiveness can be seen in events such as the return from Babylonian exile, where God restored His people despite their previous disobedience.
You covered all their sin.
The concept of "covering" sin is rooted in the Hebrew word "kaphar," which means to cover, purge, or make atonement. This covering is symbolic of God's grace, where He chooses not to count the sins against His people. In the sacrificial system, the blood of animals was used to cover sins temporarily, pointing to the need for a more permanent solution. This is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, whose blood covers and removes sin once and for all (1John 1:7). The comprehensive nature of "all their sin" emphasizes the completeness of God's forgiveness, leaving no sin uncovered or unforgiven.
Selah
The term "Selah" is often found in the Psalms and is thought to be a musical or liturgical pause, inviting the reader or listener to reflect on the preceding words. It serves as a moment to meditate on the profound truth of God's forgiveness and grace. In the context of worship, it allows the congregation to internalize the message and respond with gratitude and reverence. The use of "Selah" underscores the importance of contemplating the depth of God's mercy and the transformative power of His forgiveness.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Sons of KorahThe authors of
Psalm 85, a group of Levitical singers and musicians who played a significant role in temple worship.
2.
IsraelThe nation of God's chosen people, often the subject of the Psalms, reflecting their relationship with God.
3.
GodThe central figure in the Psalm, who forgives and covers the sins of His people.
4.
Iniquity and SinThe moral failings and transgressions of the people, which God forgives and covers.
5.
SelahA term used in the Psalms, possibly indicating a pause for reflection or musical interlude.
Teaching Points
Understanding ForgivenessGod's forgiveness is complete and covers all sin. Reflect on the depth of God's mercy and grace in your life.
The Nature of SinRecognize the seriousness of sin and the need for divine forgiveness. Sin separates us from God, but His forgiveness restores us.
Reflective Pause (Selah)Take time to meditate on God's forgiveness. Use moments of reflection to deepen your understanding of His grace.
Community and ForgivenessJust as God forgives His people collectively, we are called to forgive others within our community.
Living in ForgivenessEmbrace the freedom that comes from being forgiven. Let this assurance transform your daily walk with God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 85:2?
2.How does Psalm 85:2 demonstrate God's forgiveness and mercy towards His people?
3.What does "covered all their sin" reveal about God's nature in Psalm 85:2?
4.How can we apply the forgiveness in Psalm 85:2 to our daily lives?
5.How does Psalm 85:2 connect with New Testament teachings on forgiveness?
6.In what ways can we seek God's forgiveness as shown in Psalm 85:2?
7.How does Psalm 85:2 reflect God's forgiveness in the Old Testament context?
8.What historical events might Psalm 85:2 be referencing regarding Israel's sins?
9.How does Psalm 85:2 align with the concept of grace in the New Testament?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 85?
11.Psalm 85:2–3 – Why does God’s forgiveness here seem to conflict with other biblical passages depicting severe and unforgiving judgment?
12.Psalm 85 - How can we harmonize this psalm's hope for national revival with other biblical texts that emphasize permanent punishment or exile?
13.Psalm 32:5 says God forgives sin immediately upon confession; why is there no concrete evidence of such forgiveness?
14.Does the repeated theme of divine punishment in Psalm 78 conflict with the concept of a loving God found in other biblical passages?What Does Psalm 85:2 Mean
You forgave the iniquity of Your people- “You forgave” is a clear declaration of God’s decisive action. The verb looks back to specific moments when the LORD literally lifted away Israel’s guilt (Exodus 34:6-7;Numbers 14:19-20).
- “The iniquity of Your people” reminds us sin is not a vague idea but a real offense needing real pardon (Psalm 32:5;Isaiah 43:25).
- God’s forgiveness is complete, not partial. When He forgives, He does so fully—foreshadowing the once-for-all cleansing secured by Christ (Colossians 2:13-14;1 John 1:9).
- Takeaway: The same God who erased Israel’s guilt still extends total forgiveness to all who trust Him through Jesus.
You covered all their sin- “Covered” brings the picture of atonement: sin hidden from sight under a divinely applied covering (Leviticus 17:11;Romans 4:7-8).
- “All” leaves nothing exposed—every transgression, great or small, is dealt with (Hebrews 10:10, 14).
- The phrase anticipates the blood of Christ, which doesn’t merely mask sin but removes it entirely (John 1:29;1 Peter 2:24).
- Practical encouragement: No believer needs to wonder whether some failure slipped through the cracks. God’s covering is comprehensive.
Selah- A deliberate pause inviting worshipful reflection. It urges readers to stop, breathe, and let the twin truths of forgiveness and covering settle in the heart (Psalm 46:10-11).
- Use the pause to savor how these truths apply personally: my sins forgiven, my guilt covered, my relationship with God restored.
- Selah also signals confidence to move forward in praise, just as the psalm continues with renewed hope (Psalm 85:6-7).
summaryPsalm 85:2 celebrates a historical reality and an ongoing promise: God actively forgives His people and completely covers every sin. That settled work invites us to pause, reflect, and live in joyful assurance, knowing nothing remains between us and the LORD who has removed our guilt forever.
(2)
Forgiven.--Rather,
taken away.(See
Psalm 32:1.)
Verse 2. -
Thou hast forgiven the iniquityof thy people; thou hast covered all their sin. God's remission of punishment, and restoration of his people to favour, was a full indication that he had "forgiven their iniquity" and "covered their sins." This was so vast a boon, that a pause for devout acknowledgment and silent adoration seemed fitting. Hence the "selah," which is at the end of the second verse, not of the first, as Hengstenberg states.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You forgaveנָ֭שָׂאתָ(nā·śā·ṯā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5375:To lift, carry, takethe iniquityעֲוֺ֣ן(‘ă·wōn)Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 5771:Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquityof Your people;עַמֶּ֑ךָ(‘am·me·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockYou coveredכִּסִּ֖יתָ(kis·sî·ṯā)Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3680:To plump, fill up hollows, to coverallכָל־(ḵāl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everytheir sin.חַטָּאתָ֣ם(ḥaṭ·ṭā·ṯām)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 2403:An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offenderSelahסֶֽלָה׃(se·lāh)Interjection
Strong's 5542:Suspension, pause
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OT Poetry: Psalm 85:2 You have forgiven the iniquity of your (Psalm Ps Psa.)