I will listen to what God the LORD will say; for He will surely speak peace to His people and His saints; He will not let them return to folly. I will listen to what God the LORD will say;This phrase emphasizes the importance of attentiveness to God's voice, a recurring theme throughout Scripture. Listening to God requires a posture of humility and readiness to obey. In the historical context, the Israelites often heard God's voice through prophets, priests, and sacred texts. The phrase underscores the personal responsibility of each believer to seek divine guidance. The use of "God the LORD" highlights the covenant relationship between God and His people, reminding them of His authority and faithfulness. This call to listen is echoed in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, where the Shema instructs Israel to hear and love the LORD. Hab 2:1 I will stand at my guard post and station myself… for He will surely speak peace to His people and His saints; The promise of peace is central to God's message. In the Old Testament, peace (shalom) signifies completeness, welfare, and harmony, not merely the absence of conflict. This peace is a covenantal blessing, often associated with obedience and faithfulness to God. The term "His people" refers to Israel, God's chosen nation, while "His saints" can be understood as those set apart for His purposes, emphasizing holiness and dedication. This assurance of peace is prophetic, pointing to the ultimate peace brought by Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), who reconciles humanity to God. Zec 9:10 And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim… He will not let them return to folly. Folly in biblical terms often denotes moral and spiritual foolishness, a departure from God's wisdom and commands. Historically, Israel's repeated cycles of sin and repentance illustrate this folly. The assurance that God will not let His people return to folly suggests divine intervention and guidance to prevent backsliding. This reflects God's commitment to sanctification, ensuring His people grow in righteousness. It aligns with New Testament teachings, such as Philippians 1:6, which assures believers that God will complete the good work He began in them. This phrase also highlights God's protective and redemptive nature, ensuring His people remain on the path of wisdom and truth. Pro 26:11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. Persons / Places / Events 1. God the LORDThe central figure in this verse, representing the divine authority and source of peace. 2. His People Refers to the Israelites, God's chosen people, who are recipients of His promises and peace. 3. His Saints Those who are set apart for God, often seen as the faithful within the community of believers. 4. Folly Represents the sinful or foolish actions that lead people away from God's will. 5. The Psalmist The author of the Psalm, traditionally attributed to the sons of Korah, who expresses a desire to hear God's voice. Teaching Points Listening to GodEmphasize the importance of being attentive to God's voice through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit. Peace as a Divine Gift Highlight that true peace comes from God and is a promise to His people and saints. Avoiding Folly Encourage believers to seek wisdom and avoid returning to sinful behaviors that separate them from God. Role of the Community Stress the importance of being part of a faith community that listens to God and supports one another in pursuing peace. Trust in God's Promises Reinforce the assurance that God will fulfill His promises, including the promise of peace. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we actively listen to what God the LORD is saying to us today?2. In what ways does the peace that God offers differ from the peace the world offers? 3. What are some practical steps we can take to avoid returning to folly in our daily lives? 4. How can being part of a faith community help us in listening to God and experiencing His peace? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's peace in a challenging situation. How did it impact your faith journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 26:3This verse speaks of perfect peace for those who trust in God, connecting to the peace God promises in Psalm 85:8. John 14:27 Jesus promises peace to His followers, a peace that is different from what the world offers, echoing the peace mentioned in Psalm 85:8. Philippians 4:7 The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guards the hearts and minds of believers, similar to the peace God speaks to His people in Psalm 85:8. Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, contrasting with the folly that God warns against in Psalm 85:8. Hebrews 12:14 Encourages believers to pursue peace with everyone, aligning with the peace God speaks to His people.
People Jacob, Korah, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Ear, Folly, Foolish, Godly, Hearts, Ones, Peace, Promises, Return, Saints, Speak, Speaketh, Turn, VoiceDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 85:8 5467 promises, divine Library 'The Bridal of the Earth and Sky''Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. 12. Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. 13. Righteousness shall go before Him, and shall set us in the way of His steps.'--PSALM lxxxv. 10-13. This is a lovely and highly imaginative picture of the reconciliation and reunion of God and man, 'the bridal of the earth and sky.' The Poet-Psalmist, … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Two Coverings and Two Consequences The Coming Revival Of the Inward Voice of Christ to the Faithful Soul I Will Hearken what the Lord God Shall Say Within Me. (1) Blessed is the Soul Which When a Revival is to be Expected. Conversion --Varied Phenomena or Experience. Two Coverings and Two Consequences Backsliding. Letter xv (Circa A. D. 1129) to Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin This Conflict None Experience in Themselves, Save Such as War on the Side Of... Characters and Names of Messiah The Angel's Message and Song Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man. "And if any Man Sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,", Epistle xxviii. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli . The Truth of God Psalms Links Psalm 85:8 NIVPsalm 85:8 NLT Psalm 85:8 ESV Psalm 85:8 NASB Psalm 85:8 KJV Psalm 85:8 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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