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Psalm 85:13
Righteousness goes before him, and prepares the way for his steps.
Notice
Righteousness goes ahead of God like a herald, so the hope of his coming carries the weight of his goodness and justice.
Questions to write on. Each one opens a new entry with this verse already attached.
What do you picture when righteousness prepares a road for God’s steps?
Write on thisHow does righteousness going before God shape what you hope for from him?
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Where else Scripture says this
12 passages readers most often link with this verse, and the thread each one shares with it.
This verse's connections, by chapterThe Bible's strongest chapter linksHover or tap a book to trace it
Psalm 37:23A man’s steps are established by the LORD. He delights in his way.Both speak of steps and the LORD: Psalm 85 describes his approach, while Psalm 37 describes human steps established by him.
Isaiah 58:8Then your light will break out as the morning, and your healing will appear quickly; then your righteousness shall go before you, and the LORD’s glory will be …Both picture righteousness going ahead, preparing God’s way in the psalm and preceding the people addressed in Isaiah.
Psalm 23:3He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.Righteousness marks the way in both psalms, accompanying God’s own steps here and the paths where he guides the speaker in Psalm 23.
1 John 2:6he who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked.Both use the language of walking or steps, though the psalm portrays God’s approach and John urges conduct patterned after Christ.
Psalm 89:14Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Loving kindness and truth go before your face.Both portray righteousness as belonging to God’s rule and picture qualities of his character going before him.
Psalm 50:23Whoever offers the sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifies me, and prepares his way so that I will show God’s salvation to him.”Both speak of preparing a way, though righteousness prepares God’s way here and Psalm 50 speaks of the thankful worshiper’s way.
John 13:34A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another.The connection is broad: the psalm portrays righteousness accompanying God, while Jesus commands love shaped by his own love.
Revelation 14:13I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their …Both use movement imagery: righteousness goes before God, while the works of those who die in the Lord follow them.
2 Corinthians 3:18But we all, with unveiled face seeing the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the …The link is indirect: righteousness accompanies God in the psalm, while Paul describes people being transformed into the Lord’s image.
1 Peter 2:18–24Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked.These texts share little specific language: the psalm portrays God’s righteous approach, while Peter addresses servants’ conduct under good and wicked masters.
Galatians 2:20I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son …The overlap is limited to God’s relation to human life: the psalm pictures his approach, while Paul describes Christ living in him.
1 Peter 4:1Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind; for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,Righteousness and ceasing from sin provide a broad link, though the psalm describes God’s steps and Peter speaks of suffering in the flesh.
Where this verse fits
Praise and worship. waiting. sermon or Bible study notes.
One step
Something small to carry out of this verse
Encouragement
God’s approach in this poem has a clear character: righteousness goes ahead of him. The goodness promised in the surrounding lines belongs to a God whose steps are righteous.
Now put it in your words.
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Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).