Show Don't Tell: Psalm 85

Instead of saying "Israel prayed for restoration," watch the virtues embrace. Of the Sons of Korah. "You, LORD, showed favor to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger." Past restoration remembered. But the present: "Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us. Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?" The prayer: revive us. "I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—but let them not turn to folly." Listening for God's response. "Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land." Then the beautiful vision: "Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven." Four virtues personified—love and faithfulness meeting, righteousness and peace kissing. Heaven and earth reunited. "The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps." Righteousness as herald, preparing God's path.