Psalms 85:10
“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”
Context:Psalm 85 is a prayer for restoration and revival. It reflects on God’s past faithfulness to Israel and seeks His mercy and forgiveness in the present. The psalmist acknowledges God’s anger and asks Him to show His love and bring about restoration.
Mercy and Truth:The verse begins by stating that “mercy and truth are met together.” This phrase implies that God’s mercy and truth coexist and are harmoniously united. It speaks of God’s compassionate nature and His faithfulness to keep His promises. God’s mercy is His compassion and forgiveness extended to sinful humanity, while His truth refers to His faithfulness, reliability, and adherence to His word.
Righteousness and Peace:The verse goes on to say that “righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Righteousness represents moral uprightness and conformity to God’s standards. Peace signifies not just the absence of conflict but also a state of well-being, wholeness, and harmony. The phrase “have kissed each other” symbolizes the coming together of these two aspects, emphasizing their close relationship.
Divine Attributes:This verse highlights some of God’s essential attributes. It reveals that God is both merciful and truthful, extending grace to sinners while remaining steadfast in His character. It also portrays God as the source of righteousness and peace, demonstrating His desire for justice and His ability to bring harmony and tranquility to His creation.
The Incarnation:Christians often see a deeper significance in this verse, particularly in relation to the person of Jesus Christ. In Jesus, the perfect embodiment of God’s mercy and truth, we see righteousness and peace truly coming together. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection reconciled humanity to God, making it possible for righteousness and peace to be united through Him.
Overall, Psalm 85:10 beautifully expresses the harmony of God’s attributes and His redemptive work. It encourages us to seek God’s mercy, trust in His truth, and embrace the righteousness and peace that flow from Him.
