Psalm 85:8–9 – How does this promise of peace and deliverance align with historical evidence of ongoing conflicts in ancient Israel? “I will listen to what God the LORD will say; for He will surely speak peace to His people and His saints—let them not return to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land.” 1. Historical Context of Psalm 85 Psalm 85 is traditionally associated with the period following Israel’s return from exile, although some interpreters date it earlier. The people of Israel had endured repeated turmoil—wars, invasions, and captivity. This psalm offers a prayer and a proclamation of hope for renewed favor. The historical books of the Hebrew Scriptures (e.g., 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah) document these conflicts. Archaeological discoveries, such as the remains of city fortifications at Lachish and multiple layers of destruction in regions like Hazor, corroborate biblical records indicating a history of frequent warfare and rebuilding. Despite these challenges, the psalm expresses confidence in a divine word of peace, suggesting that even in turbulent circumstances, God’s desire is to extend mercy and establish His people in security. 2. The Nature of God’s Promise of Peace Psalm 85:8–9 underscores a “peace” (shalom) that is not simply the absence of conflict. The word shalom suggests wholeness, completeness, and well-being. It points to a restored relationship between God and His people, where righteousness and peace meet (cf. Psalm 85:10). While this psalm highlights peaceful circumstances in a literal sense—fulfillment of safety from enemies—it also embraces a deeper, covenantal dimension. God’s promise of deliverance, in the immediate context, involved the restoration of the land and the reestablishment of worship in Jerusalem. Yet Psalm 85 also anticipates a spiritual renewal, evident in the call “let them not return to folly” (v. 8), indicating a transformation of hearts. 3. Ongoing Conflicts & Historical Evidence Ancient Israel’s story never fully escaped conflict. The Old Testament details battles with neighboring people groups: Philistines, Moabites, Assyrians, Babylonians, and others. Monumental records like the Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III (referencing Jehu of Israel) and the Babylonian Chronicles (which describe Nebuchadnezzar’s campaigns) align with biblical narratives about invasions, sieges, and exiles. Such evidence can prompt the question: “If God promised peace and deliverance, why did warfare persist?” Scripture itself addresses repeated failures of Israel’s kings and people to live according to the divine covenant. Yet even within these turbulent epochs, specific eras of peace—such as under Solomon (1 Kings 4:24)—demonstrate partial fulfillments of divine promises. This pattern of temporary rest, conflict, and then renewed hope is woven throughout the historical accounts. 4. How the Promise of Peace Relates to These Conflicts The tension between the psalm’s vision of peace and the reality of strife can be understood by God’s ongoing covenantal relationship with His people. Divine peace did not preclude discipline or the natural consequences of turning away. The call “let them not return to folly” (v. 8) presents a condition: the people’s repentance and devotion were crucial for the experience of lasting peace. In addition, events like the Babylonian exile highlight how disobedience led to devastation (2 Chronicles 36:15–17). Yet even in exile, prophets such as Jeremiah and Daniel affirmed God’s redemptive plans, culminating in eventual restoration to the land. Their return—documented in Ezra and Nehemiah—reflects tangible evidence that God’s deliverance was not nullified by prolonged conflict but further revealed through His faithfulness over time. 5. Ultimate Fulfillment and Theological Reflection The historical record shows that Israel’s peace was often short-lived, punctuated by warfare and political strife. Nevertheless, Psalm 85 conveys a more enduring horizon of hope. As subsequent biblical writers clarified, true and lasting shalom for humanity hinges on divine intervention beyond mere political stability. In this sense, peace in Israel’s history served as a foreshadowing of something greater: an ultimate salvation, secured by God’s redemptive work. Later passages in the prophets and the New Testament expand this idea. Outside writings, such as the early first-century accounts of transformations among Christ’s followers—who testified to the resurrection—demonstrate a new covenant perspective on deliverance and peace that transcends physical boundaries. Archaeological findings near Jerusalem—such as first-century tombs and inscriptions—corroborate the realities of that period, though they do not prove theological claims in themselves. They do, however, strengthen the context for the biblical story. As such, the message of Psalm 85:8–9 remains consistent: peace is offered to those who fear God and draw near to Him. Historical conflicts highlight humanity’s continual need for divine intervention rather than diminish the reliability of this promise. 6. Conclusion The promise of peace in Psalm 85:8–9 bears witness to a divine intention that does not ignore the complexities of human history. Ongoing conflicts in ancient Israel, well-attested by archaeological and extra-biblical records, do not negate God’s covenant faithfulness. Rather, they show the interplay between God’s gracious gift of peace and humanity’s responsibility to respond rightly. Despite the turbulent backdrop of invasions, exiles, and rebuildings, Scripture consistently presents a God who speaks peace to His repentant people. This psalm’s assurance resonates throughout biblical revelation: salvation is near to those who revere the Lord, and His glory can indeed dwell in the land. Even amid the brokenness of the world, the ideal of divine peace endured—and continues to stand—as an invitation to trust in the faithful and unchanging character of God. |
    |