God’s steadfast love and unwavering truth create a foundation for righteousness and harmony in every sphere of life.
The Psalmist proclaims the reconciling power of God’s favor when he writes, “Lovingkindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Psalm 85:10). These four attributes—lovingkindness, truth, righteousness, and peace—are presented as if they are meeting in a joyful reunion. The word “lovingkindness” signifies God’s faithful and steadfast love, while “truth” calls to mind the reliability and trustworthiness of His promises. By pairing these two qualities, the verse depicts a divine harmony that is only possible when God’s grace and God’s standard of truth are united, overcoming any separation caused by human sin (Romans 3:23). This imagery of tender affection reveals that the combination of God’s lovingkindness and truthful nature creates a peaceful environment where His righteousness can flourish among His people.
“Righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Psalm 85:10) further emphasizes the closeness and inseparability of these qualities. Righteousness speaks of God’s perfect moral standard, and peace indicates the state of wholeness and well-being that arises when that standard is upheld. The Psalm, attributed to the Sons of Korah, was likely composed during or after the time of King David (circa 1000 BC). These Sons of Korah were a group of Levitical singers who served in the temple worship, preserving and performing songs that celebrated God’s faithfulness to Israel. Though the text does not mention a specific geographical location in this verse, its context places the setting in ancient Israel, where the faithful would have gathered around Jerusalem’s temple to sing such words of hope and renewal.
Taken as a whole, “Lovingkindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Psalm 85:10) describes the beautiful convergence of God’s character traits, painting a portrait of restoration. This unity hints at what Jesus would later fulfill through His life, death, and resurrection (John 1:17). In Christ’s coming, God’s lovingkindness was made manifest, His truth validated in person, His righteousness satisfied, and peace was declared for those who believe (Romans 5:1). The Psalm looks ahead to the day when the Messiah would bring these divine attributes into a perfect and permanent union, making it possible for all who trust in God to experience abundant mercy and lasting peace.
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Psalms 85:10 meaning
The Psalmist proclaims the reconciling power of God’s favor when he writes, “Lovingkindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Psalm 85:10). These four attributes—lovingkindness, truth, righteousness, and peace—are presented as if they are meeting in a joyful reunion. The word “lovingkindness” signifies God’s faithful and steadfast love, while “truth” calls to mind the reliability and trustworthiness of His promises. By pairing these two qualities, the verse depicts a divine harmony that is only possible when God’s grace and God’s standard of truth are united, overcoming any separation caused by human sin (Romans 3:23). This imagery of tender affection reveals that the combination of God’s lovingkindness and truthful nature creates a peaceful environment where His righteousness can flourish among His people.
“Righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Psalm 85:10) further emphasizes the closeness and inseparability of these qualities. Righteousness speaks of God’s perfect moral standard, and peace indicates the state of wholeness and well-being that arises when that standard is upheld. The Psalm, attributed to the Sons of Korah, was likely composed during or after the time of King David (circa 1000 BC). These Sons of Korah were a group of Levitical singers who served in the temple worship, preserving and performing songs that celebrated God’s faithfulness to Israel. Though the text does not mention a specific geographical location in this verse, its context places the setting in ancient Israel, where the faithful would have gathered around Jerusalem’s temple to sing such words of hope and renewal.
Taken as a whole, “Lovingkindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Psalm 85:10) describes the beautiful convergence of God’s character traits, painting a portrait of restoration. This unity hints at what Jesus would later fulfill through His life, death, and resurrection (John 1:17). In Christ’s coming, God’s lovingkindness was made manifest, His truth validated in person, His righteousness satisfied, and peace was declared for those who believe (Romans 5:1). The Psalm looks ahead to the day when the Messiah would bring these divine attributes into a perfect and permanent union, making it possible for all who trust in God to experience abundant mercy and lasting peace.