Psalms 85:6
Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Post-Exilic Context and Revival in Israel's History
Psalm 85's historical setting is debated, but most scholars place it in the post-exilic period (after 538 BC) when Jews returned from Babylonian captivity. Verses 1-3 reference past restoration: "LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob." This likely refers to the return from exile under Cyrus's decree (Ezra 1). However, verses 4-7 reveal that despite physical return, spiritual restoration remained incomplete—hence the prayer for revival.
The returned exiles faced discouragement. They rebuilt the temple (completed 515 BC), but it lacked the glory of Solomon's temple (Ezra 3:12-13). Economic hardship plagued the community (Haggai 1:6). Surrounding peoples opposed reconstruction (Ezra 4-5). Spiritual compromise crept in through intermarriage with pagans (Ezra 9-10). The people experienced physical return without spiritual renewal—they were back in the land but not fully restored to vital relationship with God.
This pattern repeats throughout biblical history. After Egyptian deliverance, Israel rebelled at Sinai with the golden calf—requiring revival (Exodus 32-34). Following judges' era, Samuel led revival (1 Samuel 7:3-6). During divided kingdom, Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29-31) and Josiah (2 Kings 22-23) led reforms. Post-exile, Ezra (Ezra 9-10) and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 8-10) called for covenant renewal. Each generation needed fresh revival because spiritual vitality naturally declines without conscious cultivation.
Church history shows the same pattern. Periodic revivals—Great Awakening (18th century), Second Great Awakening (19th century), Welsh Revival (1904-1905), Azusa Street (1906-1915)—renewed spiritually dead churches. These movements shared common features: conviction of sin, repentance, renewed prayer, evangelistic zeal, and joy in the Lord. Psalm 85:6 remains the church's perpetual prayer: "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?"
Questions for Reflection
- What does spiritual "revival" mean, and how is it different from mere religious activity or emotional excitement?
- Why does God's pattern include periodic need for revival rather than sustaining continuous spiritual vitality?
- How can believers distinguish between legitimate longing for revival and dissatisfaction with God's present working?
- What role do God's people play in revival (prayer, repentance, obedience) versus God's sovereign work that we cannot manufacture?
- How does the goal of revival ("that thy people may rejoice in thee") clarify revival's true nature as God-centered rather than self-centered?
Analysis & Commentary
Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? This heartfelt petition appears in a psalm of national lament and restoration hope. The question form "wilt thou not" (halo-attah, הֲלֹא־אַתָּה) expects affirmative answer—"won't you surely...?" It's rhetorical appeal rather than doubting inquiry. The psalmist confidently expects God to act, yet the question form expresses urgent desire and patient waiting for divine intervention.
"Revive us again" (tashuv techayenu, תָּשׁוּב תְּחַיֵּנוּ) literally means "return and give us life." The verb chayah (חָיָה) means "to live, be alive, have life"—in causative form it means "cause to live, restore to life, revive." This isn't primarily physical resurrection but spiritual, national, and covenantal renewal. The people feel spiritually dead, nationally defeated, covenantally abandoned—they need God to breathe new life into them as He breathed life into Adam (Genesis 2:7).
"Again" (shuv, שׁוּב) implies previous revival. God has restored Israel before—from Egyptian bondage, Babylonian exile, various judgments. The "again" appeals to established pattern: God is the God of second chances, repeated mercies, continual renewals. Just as He revived in the past, He can revive again. This encourages hope during present spiritual deadness.
"That thy people may rejoice in thee" (ve-yismchu amcha bak, וְיִשְׂמְחוּ עַמְּךָ בָּךְ) states the purpose of revival. God's goal isn't merely His people's comfort but their joy in Him. Samach (שָׂמַח) means "to rejoice, be glad"—exuberant celebration, not mere contentment. True revival produces joy centered in God Himself (bak, "in thee"), not merely joy about circumstances improved. The ultimate purpose of divine restoration is renewed worship.