85:1-3 The writer began by thanking God for delivering His people. The reference to restoration from captivity (v. 1) suggests that this psalm may date to the return from Babylonian exile. However the psalmist may have been referring to a more modest captivity perhaps at the hand of a neighbor nation. In any case he viewed Israel's former enslavement as the result of her sin and thanked God for pardoning that.
85:4-7 Even though Israel was free she still needed spiritual restoration and revival. Because of this condition the psalmist petitioned God to put away all of His anger against His sinning people (cf. Isa. 28:21; Ezek. 18:32). They needed his loyal love (Heb. hesed) and His deliverance. They would rejoice when He provided these benefits fully.
