Psalms 85:8 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

I will hear, i.e. diligently observe. And the psalmist, by declaring what he would do, teacheth all the Israelites what they ought to do. Or he speaks in the name of all the people of God. What God the Lord will speak; either by his prophets or messengers; or by the works of his providence, for that also hath a voice. What answer God will give to these my prayers. For I am assured, from God's gracious nature and declared will and promise, that he will give an answer of peace. And to his saints; which clause seems to be added by way of explication and restriction, to show that this glorious privilege did not belong to all that were called God's people, but only to those that were truly and really such, even to his saints or holy ones. To folly, i.e. to sin, which in Scripture is commonly called folly. This is added as a necessary caution; but when God shall speak peace to his people, let them not grow wanton and secure, nor return to their former wicked courses; which if they do, they will provoke God to repent of his kindness to them, and to inflict further and sorer judgments upon them. Others render the place, and they will not, or that they may not, return to folly. But the particle al being prohibitive, our translation seems to be better.

Psalms 85:8

8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.