Psalms 85:7 (KJV)

What does Psalms 85:7 mean?

Psalms 85:7 is a shared request for God to make his mercy visible and to bring his people to safety. The speakers address God in the middle of trouble, asking for a tangible experience of his care rather than speaking only about what he has done in the past.

The words “us” and “thy” show a people speaking together to the LORD. After the question about renewed life in verse 6, verse 7 turns directly to what the people want God to give.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 85:7

• “mercy” — חֶסֶד (ḥesed): This word often carries the sense of faithful love or steadfast kindness. In this request, “mercy” points to care that remains dependable over time.
• “salvation” — יֵשַׁע (yeshaʿ): This word can mean rescue or safety. Here it gives the request a concrete sense of being brought out of danger or distress.

Why Psalms 85:7 matters

• The request joins God’s care with the people’s need for help. “Thy mercy” and “thy salvation” belong together in one appeal, rather than appearing as unrelated gifts.
• The psalm moves from speaking to listening. After the appeal in verse 7, the speaker says in verse 8, “I will hear what God the LORD will speak.”
• The request follows a memory of earlier help. The opening verses recall God’s favor toward the land and his people, giving the appeal in verse 7 a history behind it.