Interpreters are generally of the opinion that this psalm was penned after the return of the Jews out of their captivity in Babylon, when they still remained under some tokens of God’s displeasure, which they here pray for the removal of.

Prayer in Time of Trouble. To the chief musician. A psalm for the sons of Korah. 1 Lord, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. 2 Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.

We have here an answer to the prayers and expostulations in the Ps. 85:1–7. I. In general, it is an answer of peace. This the psalmist is soon aware of , for he stands upon his watch-tower to hear what God will say unto him, as the prophet, Hab. 2:1–2. I will hear what God the Lord will speak.