Psalm 85 presents a beautiful personification of God's attributes as persons who meet, embrace, and work together in redemption. 'Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.' This poetic imagery captures the theological problem solved at the cross: How can a righteous God show mercy? How can truth and peace coexist when sinners deserve judgment? In Christ, these seemingly conflicting attributes are reconciled—mercy and truth meet; righteousness and peace kiss. The image of Truth springing from earth while Righteousness looks down from heaven suggests the incarnation, where heaven's righteousness and earth's longing unite.
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.