What does it mean that “righteousness and peace kiss each other” in Psalm 85:10?

Answer

When Psalm 85:10 declares that “righteousness and peace kiss each other,” the psalmist is giving human qualities to two of God’s characteristics and illustrating how they cooperate.

Psalm 85, authored by the sons of Korah, recounts God’s restoration of Israel. Verses 1–3 showcase how God had previously restored Israel and turned away His anger. Reflecting on God’s mercy in restoring Israel, the psalmist implores the Lord to restore them once more “Turn us, O God of our salvation, And cause thine anger toward us to cease.”, (Psalm 85:4). Acknowledging God’s mercy and enduring love, the psalmist rhetorically questions if the Lord will remain angry forever (Psalm 85:5-7). Trusting in God’s consistent deliverance, the psalmist is certain that His anger will not persist.

God pledges “peace to his people, his faithful servants,” but advises them to steer clear of foolishness, for the Lord will rescue those who revere Him (Psalm 85:8-9). Here, the psalmist employs personification:

“Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other” “Mercy and truth are met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”, (Psalm 85:10).

Love and faithfulness “meet,” while righteousness and peace “kiss.” Other translations suggest that righteousness and peace “will embrace” (CSB) or “will unite” (CEV). The concept is that God’s attributes of righteousness and peace would blend harmoniously to bring solace to Israel.

The attributes of righteousness and peace are also connected in Isaiah 32:17: “The fruit of that righteousness will b

“The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps” (Psalm 85:12-13).

Despite the wrongdoing done by the nation, God would extend grace to the Israelites. Psalm 85 teaches that God’s grace is greater than our sin. God would bring peace to Israel once again, through His righteousness, peace, faithfulness, and love coming together.

The ultimate fulfillment of love and faithfulness “meeting together” and of righteousness and peace “kissing” is found in Jesus Christ’s work to reconcile the world to peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.”

A kiss was a common form of greeting in ancient times, and still is in some cultures. The word picture painted in Psalm 85:10 is one of two friends greeting each other as if they had been separated a long time. Righteousness and peace have been estranged, but now they are friends again. The righteousness of God was opposed to peace on earth, as long as Israel remained in a sinful, unrepentant state. But now they are united, and the result is joy, a friendly embrace, and delightful harmony.

The personification in Psalm 85 is continued in verse 11:

“Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.”

Here we see that faithfulness is described as springing up “from the earth,” and righteousness as looking down “from heaven.” The mention of heaven and earth suggests that more is being unified than just the attributes of God. Heaven and earth are uniting, resulting in peace and blessing for God’s people. The description foreshadows the angels’ song in Luke 2:14:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Using the imagery of a harvest, the psalmist is assured that God will answer Israel’s prayer for restoration:

O God. It is through Jesus that we experience peace with God and forgiveness of sins «Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: », (Romans 5:1). Because of His love and mercy, we can have eternal life through His death and resurrection (Romans 10:9-11). Just as God didn’t deal with Israel as they deserved in the Old Testament, He has offered us His unmerited grace despite what we’ve done. In Jesus, we are declared righteous, not because of who we are or what we’ve done, but because of who He is (Ephesians 2:8-9). The “kiss” of righteousness and peace brings us peace with God.