Psalms 85:9 - Summary and Commentary
Bible Verse: Psalms 85:9
Verse Text: "Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land."
Meaning and Insights
This verse highlights the close relationship between the fear of the Lord and the experience of His salvation. It emphasizes both a personal and communal aspect of salvation that culminates in the glory of God's presence dwelling among His people.
Key Themes Addressed
- The Fear of God: A recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing reverence and obedience.
- Salvation: Signifying deliverance, both spiritually and physically, that God provides.
- Divine Presence: The concept of God’s glory dwelling reflects His closeness to His people when they honor Him.
Commentary Insights
The insights from prominent public domain commentaries provide a depth of understanding for Psalms 85:9:
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Henry emphasizes the assurance of salvation for those who revere God. He notes that God's salvation is not far from those who genuinely fear Him, and it manifests in the blessings that come to the community through divine intervention.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible
Barnes interprets this verse as affirming the nearness of God's salvation, which is contingent upon the faithfulness of His people. He expounds on the idea that when people have a rightful reverence for God, His glory and favor become apparent in their lives and land.
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Clarke discusses the significance of “glory” in the context of a renewed relationship with God. He points out that glory signifies not just the majesty of God but also His active presence in the lives of those who honor Him. Clarke suggests that the mutual relationship between God's glory and humanity’s reverence leads to spiritual revival and community restoration.
Cross-References
This verse interacts with several other scriptures that enhance its understanding and provide a broader context:
- Psalm 85:2: "You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin." - This highlights God's forgiveness as foundational to salvation.
- Isaiah 46:13: "I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off, and my salvation will not delay." - Illustrates the nearness of God's salvation.
- Psalm 145:18: "The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." - Highlights God's responsiveness to those who fear Him.
- Romans 10:9: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." - Connects to salvation through belief and reverence.
- 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven..." - Shows the conditional aspect of divine salvation based on humility and reverence.
- Acts 2:21: "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Affirms the urgency of calling upon God for salvation.
- John 4:23: "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth." - Speaks to the nature of genuine worship, which entails reverence.
Application of Cross-Referencing
Understanding Psalms 85:9 through cross-references reveals the depth of God's promises and conditions for the experience of His salvation. When engaging in cross-referencing Bible study, readers can link similar themes and contexts across different books of the Bible, facilitating a richer comprehension of individual verses.
Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing
Utilizing Bible concordances and Bible cross-reference guides can reveal connections between verses. Here are some suggestions:
- KJV Bible Concordance: A comprehensive tool that indexes Biblical topics and themes.
- Cross-reference Bible Study Systems: Systems that allow tracking thematic links across the Scriptures.
- Digital Bible Reference Resources: Online platforms that provide search functionalities for cross-referencing.
Conclusion
Psalms 85:9 serves as a profound reminder of the relationship between reverence for God and the nearness of His salvation. Through understanding this verse and its related scriptures, believers are encouraged to maintain a healthy fear of God, anticipating His glory and blessings in their lives.