Psalms 85:8

I will hear Or, Let me hear. Cp. Psalms 62:11; and the striking parallel in Habakkuk 2:1, which the LXX makes even closer by its reading, what the Lord God will speak with me(lit. in me), from which comes the P.B.V., what the Lord God will say concerning me.

God the Lord The mighty God (El), Jehovah.

he will speak&c. Or, he speaketh peace. He will not always be wroth, but will forthwith utter the -thoughts of peace" which He has all along cherished (Jeremiah 29:11). This reconciliation must result in the welfare of His people. Cp. Psalms 122:6 ff.; and for the phrase, Zechariah 9:10.

and to his saints Or, even to: for -his saints" are synonymous with -his people." It is as the objects of His lovingkindness (Psalms 85:7) not for any merits of their own, that they look for His favour. For the meaning of -saints" see note on Psalms 50:5, and Appendix, Note 1.

but let them not turnagain to folly The folly of self-confidence (Psalms 49:13) leading to unbelief and disobedience, which has been the cause of their past misfortunes. Such a note of warning is not out of place, but the reading of the LXX, and to those who turn their heart to him, is preferred by some editors.