How does Psalm 85:8 connect to Jesus' teachings on peace? Psalm 85:8 at a Glance “I will listen to what God the LORD will say; for He will surely speak peace to His people and to His saints—but let them not return to folly.” (Psalm 85 : 8) • The psalmist takes a posture of attentive listening, expecting God to speak. • What God promises to speak is “peace,” a covenant blessing for “His people and His saints.” • Peace is linked to obedience; folly cancels the experience of that peace. Jesus Speaks and Gives Peace • “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.” (John 14 : 27) • “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16 : 33) • “For He Himself is our peace.” (Ephesians 2 : 14) • Through the cross He “made peace through the blood of His cross.” (Colossians 1 : 20) Connection Points between the Psalm and the Savior • Same Source of Peace – Psalm 85: God the LORD “will surely speak peace.” – Gospels: Jesus, God incarnate, directly bestows peace. • Peace Is Spoken, Not Earned – In both passages peace is a divine word/gift, not human achievement. • Covenant Audience – Psalm 85 addresses “His people and His saints.” – Jesus speaks to His disciples, the nucleus of the new covenant community. • Obedience Secures the Enjoyment of Peace – Psalm 85 warns against returning to folly. – Jesus ties peace to abiding in His word and commands (John 15 : 10-11). • Fulfillment Theme – The psalmist looked forward to a spoken peace; Jesus fulfills that hope by embodying and imparting it. Living Out the Link Today • Adopt the psalmist’s listening posture, attending to Christ’s words in Scripture. • Receive the gift of peace by trusting Jesus’ finished work rather than relying on self-effort. • Guard the heart from “folly” through ongoing obedience, knowing that peace and holiness travel together (Hebrews 12 : 14). • Carry this peace into relationships as peacemakers, reflecting the character of the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9 : 6; Matthew 5 : 9). |
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