Psalms 85:13

“Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.”

Context:This verse is part of Psalm 85, which is attributed to the psalmist, possibly the sons of Korah. It is a psalm of prayer and thanksgiving, expressing the desire for God’s forgiveness and restoration. The psalmist acknowledges God’s past favor upon the nation of Israel, and in this particular verse, they anticipate the righteousness of God leading them and guiding their steps.

Let’s break down the verse to gain a deeper understanding:

“Righteousness shall go before him”:Here, “him” refers to God. The psalmist acknowledges that God’s righteousness, or His perfect moral and ethical character, will precede Him. This emphasizes that God acts in accordance with His righteous nature and that righteousness is an essential attribute of His actions.

“And shall set us in the way of his steps”:This part conveys the psalmist’s expectation that God’s righteousness will guide and direct the people. By “setting us in the way of his steps,” it suggests that God’s righteousness will show them the right path to follow, leading them in His ways.

In essence, Psalm 85:13 portrays God as a righteous leader who goes before His people, paving the way with His righteousness. It implies that God’s righteousness is not only a divine attribute but also a guiding force that sets the course for His people.

As a practical application, this verse encourages believers to seek and follow God’s righteousness. It reminds us that God’s ways are just and trustworthy, and by aligning ourselves with His righteous character and principles, we can find guidance, security, and fulfilment in our lives.

Furthermore, this verse echoes the broader biblical theme of God’s righteousness as a cornerstone for His relationship with humanity. It reminds us that God’s righteousness is not only a personal attribute but also a fundamental aspect of His divine plan for our salvation and restoration.

Overall, Psalm 85:13 highlights the importance of God’s righteousness in leading and guiding His people, encouraging us to seek His ways and follow His righteous path.