What does "righteousness and peace" teach us about God's character in Psalm 85:10? Setting the Scene Psalm 85 looks back on a national restoration and pleads for an even fuller revival. Verse 10 stands at the hopeful climax: “Loving devotion and truth have joined together; righteousness and peace have kissed.” (Psalm 85:10) Key Phrase Explained • “Righteousness” (tsedeq) points to God’s perfect justice, moral purity, and covenant faithfulness. • “Peace” (shalom) speaks of wholeness, well-being, harmony, and security. • Their “kiss” pictures intimate unity, not tension—God’s justice and His peace are inseparable friends. What Righteousness Reveals about God • He is morally flawless—“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne” (Psalm 89:14). • He acts with total fairness—never bending the standard to overlook sin. • His righteous acts produce confidence—“The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever” (Isaiah 32:17). What Peace Reveals about God • He delights to bless—shalom is the climate of His kingdom (Psalm 72:3). • He reconciles enemies into family—“Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). • He nurtures relationships marked by gentleness—“The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving” (James 3:17). The Union of Righteousness and Peace • Peace is never superficial or unrighteous; it flows from God’s just dealings. • Righteousness is never cold or distant; it moves toward relational wholeness. • The cross displays the perfect kiss: God “made peace through the blood of His cross” while remaining “just and the One who justifies” (Colossians 1:20; Romans 3:26). How This Shapes Our View of God Today • Trust—His standards are never compromised, so His promises are rock-solid. • Comfort—His peace is not fragile; it rests on unmovable righteousness. • Worship—adore the One whose holiness and kindness meet in perfect harmony. • Obedience—pursue personal righteousness as the path into deeper peace. |
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