Psalms 85:12
Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.
Psalms 85:12 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 85 is a prayer of the sons of Korah for the nation of Israel. The people had experienced God’s judgment and now longed for His favour to return. The psalmist remembers God’s past mercy, asks for revival, and waits in hope for deliverance. This verse comes near the end of the psalm, where confidence in God’s answer grows strong. The immediate context includes verse 11, which speaks of truth springing from the earth and righteousness looking down from heaven, showing a divine-human interaction in restoration.
Meaning
The first part of the verse declares that the LORD, Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God, will give “that which is good.” This good is not limited to rain or harvest. It includes God’s grace, His Spirit, and His salvation. The second part pictures the land yielding her increase. In ancient Israel, a fruitful land meant life and security. When God blesses His people, even the ground responds with abundance.
The two parts belong together. God’s goodness comes first, and the land’s fruitfulness follows. The verse teaches that every good gift flows from God, and He withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly. The psalmist speaks with certainty: “shall give” and “shall yield.” This is not a wish but a confident promise. The verse echoes the broader biblical truth that every good and perfect gift comes from God, and that He is the ultimate source of all good, both material and spiritual.
Biblical connections
Psalm 67:6 uses similar words: “Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.” That verse also links God’s blessing with the earth’s fruitfulness. The connection shows that God’s care for His people includes the created order. When God restores His people, creation itself shares in the blessing. This parallel underscores the consistency of Scripture on God’s provision.
Application
This verse calls us to trust God for every need. Instead of worrying about material things, we can rely on His faithfulness. Jesus teaches the same truth in Matthew 6:33: seek God’s kingdom first, and He will provide what is needed. We can also give thanks for both physical and spiritual blessings, recognising that all good things come from Him. The verse also implies a connection between spiritual renewal and outward blessing, as the psalm’s context is one of repentance and restoration.
Thank God daily for His goodness and provision.
Trust Him with your needs, knowing He gives what is good.
Seek spiritual growth, not only material comfort.
Reflection
God’s promise in this verse gives hope for every season. Even when the land seems dry, God can make it fruitful again. His goodness does not depend on our circumstances. We can rest in His character, knowing that He who has been faithful before will be faithful again. Let this promise shape your prayers and your peace. God’s restoration brings wholeness to all areas of life, including our relationship with creation.
