Book of Psalms - Chapter 85 - Verse 2

The verse "Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah." is a powerful declaration of God's forgiveness and grace towards His people. In this verse, the psalmist acknowledges that God has forgiven the sins of His people and has covered over them with His mercy and love. The word "Selah" that appears at the end of the verse is believed to be a musical notation indicating a pause for reflection. This verse serves as a reminder that no matter how great our sins may be, God is always willing to forgive us when we come to Him with a repentant heart. It highlights the amazing grace and mercy of God towards His people, and encourages believers to turn to Him in times of need. The verse also demonstrates the importance of acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness from God, who is always ready to extend His hand of mercy towards us.

Within this verse, the concept of forgiveness is emphasized through the use of parallelism. The poetic structure of the verse, with its repetition and amplification, serves to emphasize the completeness of God's forgiveness. The Hebrew word for "forgiven" used in this verse is "nasa," which carries the idea of lifting up or carrying away sin. This conveys the image of God removing the burdens of sin from His people, granting them freedom and restoration. Additionally, the word "covered" in this verse comes from the Hebrew word "kacah," which means to conceal or hide. This imagery suggests that God not only forgives sin but also removes it from sight, choosing not to hold it against His people any longer.

The use of the term "Selah" at the end of the verse indicates a pause for reflection or meditation, inviting the reader to consider the profound implications of God's forgiveness. This verse reminds us of the depth of God's mercy and grace, offering comfort and reassurance to those who seek His forgiveness. Through the theological interpretation of this verse and a closer examination of the original Hebrew words, we gain a deeper understanding of the nature of God's forgiveness and the profound impact it has on our lives.