The Saints' Salvation, the Land's Glory
Psalm 85:9
Surely his salvation is near them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.


They who fear God may be sure that he will come and save them, not alone for their own sake, but also for the sake of the land in which they dwell. The salvation of any sinner is for the blessing of very many. God has respect to others outside ourselves when he saves any one of us. The glory of the whole nation is furthered thereby; the blessing of the Church is the blessing of the land. For in such land there dwells -

I. SPIRITUAL GLORY. How God is worshipped, loved, praised; how mightily his Spirit works in men's hearts, when he comes in saving power!

II. MORAL GLORY. The work of God in men's souls ever "makes for righteousness." Vice, profanity, and all ungodliness are abashed, and slink away when the power of God is made known.

III. NATIONAL GLORY. For "righteousness exalteth a nation:" when once has such a nation perished?

IV. SANCTUARY GLORY. To the Jew, the temple of the Lord was his glory. "The joy of the whole earth is Mount Zion." And what are all our sanctuaries and services if in them God's salvation is not seen?

V. HARVEST GLORY. (Cf. Psalm 67., "Then shall the earth yield," etc.) There is close connection between inward character and outward condition. - S.C.



Parallel Verses
KJV: Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.

WEB: Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.




The Nearness of Salvation to Piety
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