Definition: Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down Psalm 85:2 – it’s a really beautiful and important part of the Bible! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about forgiveness and grace. It’s saying that God has completely forgiven his people – especially those who have done wrong – even all their sins. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people…” This means "You have forgave the sins of your people." “Iniquity” is a fancy word that refers to our moral failings, our bad habits, and our wrongdoings. It’s basically what we're humanly flawed by. “…Thou hast covered all their sin.” This part is even more powerful! "Covered" means to shield or protect something from harm. So, God has completely erased the sins of his people – everything they have done wrong. “Selah” - This word is a musical term that’s often added at the end of verses in Hebrew poetry and Jewish tradition. It's used to emphasize a particular feeling or thought. In this context, it suggests a sense of peace , comfort , and completeness – as if everything has been settled and made right. Overall Meaning: The verse is essentially saying that God’s love is so great that he doesn’t hold grudges against his people. He’s forgiving them completely, and it feels like a divine blessing. It speaks to the idea of unconditional love and acceptance. Why is this important? This verse is often used as a reminder of God's mercy and forgiveness. It encourages us to: Believe in his grace: It suggests that we don’t deserve perfect behavior, but God offers forgiveness anyway. Be thankful for his love: It acknowledges that even though people make mistakes, God loves them unconditionally. In short, Psalm 85:2 is a powerful statement about the completeness of God's love and forgiveness. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse from Psalm 85? Discuss the historical context of this passage (when was it written)? Talk about how this verse relates to our own lives or faith?