Psalms 85:1
LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.
Original Language Analysis
רָצִ֣יתָ
thou hast been favourable
H7521
רָצִ֣יתָ
thou hast been favourable
Strong's:
H7521
Word #:
1 of 6
to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt
יְהוָ֣ה
LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
שַׁ֝֗בְתָּ
thou hast brought back
H7725
שַׁ֝֗בְתָּ
thou hast brought back
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
4 of 6
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
Cross References
Psalms 14:7Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.Jeremiah 30:18Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof.Psalms 77:7Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?Ezekiel 39:25Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name;Psalms 42:1As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.Zechariah 1:16Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.Joel 2:18Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.Leviticus 26:42Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.Joel 3:1For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,Jeremiah 31:23Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; The LORD bless thee, O habitation of justice, and mountain of holiness.
Historical Context
This psalm likely celebrates return from Babylonian exile (538 BC under Cyrus's decree, Ezra 1-2). The "captivity of Jacob" is covenant language—God remains faithful to patriarchal promises despite Israel's unfaithfulness. Jeremiah 29:10-14 prophesied this: after seventy years, God would restore. The return wasn't merely political but theological—God's favor returning after judgment. Christ's work accomplishes ultimate return from sin's exile.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you experienced God "bringing back captivity"—restoring what sin or consequences destroyed?
- What does God being "favourable" after discipline teach about His character and covenant love?
- How does Christ accomplish the ultimate return from exile, bringing believers from sin's captivity to God's favor?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm celebrates restoration: "LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob" (Hebrew ratzita YHWH artzekha shavta sh-vut Ya-aqov). "Favourable" (Hebrew ratzah) indicates acceptance, pleasure—God's face shining again. "Brought back captivity" describes return from exile. The possessive "thy land" reminds that Canaan is God's gift. The verse celebrates when God turns from judgment to mercy, ending discipline and restoring relationship.