“Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land.” (v.9) In this verse, the psalmist proclaims God’s nearness and willingness to save those who approach Him with reverence and devotion. The phrase “to those who fear Him” carries the sense of standing in awe and honoring the Lord’s holiness, much like the prophet’s call in other passages to “be silent before the LORD” so that hearts may respond in worship (Zechariah 2:13). Here, the psalmist expresses the confident expectation that God’s presence—His “glory”—will dwell in the land inhabited by the faithful. This land is geographically the territory of Israel, which God repeatedly rescued and restored. The people believed that a repentant and reverent posture prepares the way for the Lord to return to them in mercy (Psalm 85:3-4).
In the broader context, Psalm 85 captures a longing for renewal, urging God to display once again the steadfast love He had shown Israel in previous generations. The reference to God’s glory suggests the manifestation of God’s character—His goodness, holiness, and protection—much like other Psalms that highlight how the Lord does not hide His face forever from those who humbly seek Him (Psalm 22:19-24). Israel’s land was tied to God’s covenant promises, and the act of God’s glory “dwelling” there is not only geographical but also deeply relational, signifying restored fellowship and blessing among the people.
In New Testament understanding, Jesus becomes the ultimate revelation of God’s salvation, drawing near to those who trust Him by faith. Although this psalm is rooted in an Old Testament context, its central promise of God’s presence remains vital: it demonstrates the unchanging truth that the Lord desires mercy, renewal, and salvation for all who revere Him.
Set to dark mode
Psalms 85:9 meaning
“Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land.” (v.9) In this verse, the psalmist proclaims God’s nearness and willingness to save those who approach Him with reverence and devotion. The phrase “to those who fear Him” carries the sense of standing in awe and honoring the Lord’s holiness, much like the prophet’s call in other passages to “be silent before the LORD” so that hearts may respond in worship (Zechariah 2:13). Here, the psalmist expresses the confident expectation that God’s presence—His “glory”—will dwell in the land inhabited by the faithful. This land is geographically the territory of Israel, which God repeatedly rescued and restored. The people believed that a repentant and reverent posture prepares the way for the Lord to return to them in mercy (Psalm 85:3-4).
In the broader context, Psalm 85 captures a longing for renewal, urging God to display once again the steadfast love He had shown Israel in previous generations. The reference to God’s glory suggests the manifestation of God’s character—His goodness, holiness, and protection—much like other Psalms that highlight how the Lord does not hide His face forever from those who humbly seek Him (Psalm 22:19-24). Israel’s land was tied to God’s covenant promises, and the act of God’s glory “dwelling” there is not only geographical but also deeply relational, signifying restored fellowship and blessing among the people.
In New Testament understanding, Jesus becomes the ultimate revelation of God’s salvation, drawing near to those who trust Him by faith. Although this psalm is rooted in an Old Testament context, its central promise of God’s presence remains vital: it demonstrates the unchanging truth that the Lord desires mercy, renewal, and salvation for all who revere Him.