Psalm of the Week - 85:2 - August 22, 2016

Photographer Cassandra Pilger took this photo of the Gasconade River at Gasconade, MO

You have forgiven the iniquity(evil, sin, wickedness) of your people,

• Took it from them, and laid it on Christ, who has bore it, and took it away,(crucified on the cross) so as it shall never return(he arose and returned to heaven)...and by... his blood it is taken away from their own consciences; 
• for this is an indication of the discovery of forgiveness to themselves; it is a branch of redemption, or reconciliation and is in consequence of it; and is a fruit of the free favor and good will of God through Christ; (grace)
• and it only belongs to the Lord's special people, the people he has taken into covenant with him, and for whose iniquity Christ was stricken: (covenant of grace)

you have covered all their sin;

•  this is but another phrase for forgiveness
• and this is done by the blood and righteousness, and ransom sacrifice of Christ,

adapted from Matthew Henry's Commentary