Will You be angry with us forever?This phrase reflects a deep concern about the enduring nature of God's anger. In the context of Israel's history, God's anger often manifested as a response to the people's disobedience and idolatry. The Israelites experienced periods of divine discipline, such as the Babylonian exile, which were seen as expressions of God's righteous anger. The question posed here is rhetorical, expressing a hope that God's anger is not eternal. Biblically, God's anger is always balanced by His mercy and willingness to forgive, as seen in passages like
Exodus 34:6-7, where God is described as "slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." This phrase also echoes the lament of other psalms, such as
Psalm 77:7-9, where the psalmist questions the permanence of God's rejection.
Will You draw out Your anger to all generations?
This phrase suggests a concern for the future and the impact of God's anger on subsequent generations. In the Old Testament, the consequences of sin were often seen as affecting not just the individual but their descendants, as seen inExodus 20:5, where God warns of visiting "the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation." However, the Bible also emphasizes God's desire to bless future generations, as inDeuteronomy 7:9, which speaks of God keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations. The plea here is for God to relent and not allow His anger to extend indefinitely. This reflects a trust in God's character as one who ultimately desires restoration and reconciliation, a theme fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who bore the wrath of God on behalf of humanity, offering redemption and peace with God for all generations.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Sons of KorahThe authors of
Psalm 85, a group of Levitical singers and musicians who played a significant role in temple worship.
2.
IsraelThe nation to whom the Psalm is addressed, representing the people of God who are seeking restoration and forgiveness.
3.
GodThe central figure in the Psalm, whose anger and mercy are being addressed by the psalmist.
4.
The ExileThe historical context likely involves the Babylonian Exile, a period of punishment and reflection for Israel.
5.
RestorationThe event or hope for which the psalmist is pleading, seeking God's favor and forgiveness.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's AngerGod's anger is a response to sin and disobedience, but it is not His defining characteristic. His anger serves a purpose in leading His people back to righteousness.
The Nature of God's MercyWhile God may express anger, His mercy is abundant and available to those who seek Him with a repentant heart. His desire is for restoration, not perpetual punishment.
Generational ImpactThe psalmist's concern about anger extending to all generations highlights the importance of breaking cycles of sin and seeking God's favor for future generations.
Hope in RestorationThe plea for God not to be angry forever reflects a deep hope and trust in His promise of restoration. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God's ultimate plan is one of redemption.
Prayer and RepentanceThis verse encourages believers to approach God in prayer, acknowledging His righteous anger but also appealing to His mercy and love for forgiveness and renewal.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 85:5?
2.How can we seek God's favor to avoid His anger lasting forever?
3.What does Psalm 85:5 reveal about God's nature and forgiveness?
4.How does Psalm 85:5 connect with God's mercy in Lamentations 3:22-23?
5.In what ways can we restore our relationship with God today?
6.How can we apply Psalm 85:5 to our personal prayer life?
7.What does Psalm 85:5 reveal about God's anger and forgiveness?
8.How does Psalm 85:5 fit into the overall theme of divine mercy?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 85:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 85?
11.What does 'God is good' mean?
12.If God's faithful love 'continues through all generations' (Psalm 100:5), how do we reconcile this claim with widespread suffering and injustice throughout history?
13.Will the earth last forever? (Psalm 104:5 vs. 2 Peter 3:10)
14.Will love and faithfulness always stay with you?What Does Psalm 85:5 Mean
Will You be angry with us forever?• The psalmist speaks honestly, acknowledging God’s righteous anger yet trusting His mercy.Psalm 30:5 reminds us, “His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime,” so the question carries hope rather than despair.
• God’s anger is never arbitrary; it responds to covenant-breaking sin (Psalm 78:56-59). Israel had tasted exile and hardship because of continual rebellion, and the writers know the cause.
• At the same time, Scripture assures us that God’s anger is purposeful, aimed at restoration.Isaiah 54:7-8 shows the same pattern: for “a brief moment” He hid His face, but with “everlasting kindness” He brings back.
• By asking whether the anger will be “forever,” the psalmist appeals to God’s revealed character—a Father who disciplines yet relents (Lamentations 3:31-33).
• For believers today, the verse reminds us that while sin still grieves the Lord (Ephesians 4:30), Christ bore wrath once for all (1 Thessalonians 1:10). What remains is a Father’s corrective discipline, never eternal condemnation (Romans 8:1).
Will You draw out Your anger to all generations?• The second question widens the lens: will the consequences spill over indefinitely?Exodus 34:6-7 states that God “visits the iniquity of the fathers” yet “maintains loving devotion to a thousand generations.” The plea banks on the latter truth.
• Scripture balances responsibility: children are not doomed to their parents’ guilt (Ezekiel 18:20).Jeremiah 31:29-34 promises a new covenant where each person answers for his own sin and enjoys God-written law on the heart.
• God’s covenant faithfulness stands behind the cry. He had sworn to Abraham an everlasting covenant (Genesis 17:7).Psalm 85 asks the Lord to remember that promise and shorten the season of chastening.
• In Christ, the fear of drawn-out wrath is answered.Galatians 3:13 shows the curse absorbed;Acts 2:38-39 extends the promise “to you and your children.”
• Practically, this verse urges each generation to seek fresh repentance and renewal, confident that God delights to revive His people (Psalm 85:6,Hosea 14:4-7).
summaryPsalm 85:5 captures a heartfelt appeal: “Lord, is Your anger permanent, stretching on without end?” The Spirit-inspired answer, unfolded across Scripture, is no. God’s wrath against sin is real, yet it is measured, purposeful, and ultimately swallowed up by His covenant mercy revealed in Jesus Christ. Each generation is invited to turn from sin, receive forgiveness, and enjoy restored favor, knowing that the Father’s discipline lasts only until repentance brings renewal and joy.
Verse 5. -
Wiltthou be angry withusforever? This is equivalent to "Wilt thou still go on punishing us?"
Wiltthou draw out thine anger to all generations? or, "from generation to generation?" This suits well the first period after the return from the Captivity, when the depressed condition of Israel continued for several generations.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Will You be angryתֶּֽאֱנַף־(te·’ĕ·nap̄-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 599:To breathe hard, be enragedwith usבָּ֑נוּ(bā·nū)Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's Hebrewforever?הַלְעוֹלָ֥ם(hal·‘ō·w·lām)Article, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5769:Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, alwaysWill You draw outתִּמְשֹׁ֥ךְ(tim·šōḵ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 4900:To draw, dragYour angerאַ֝פְּךָ֗(’ap·pə·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 639:The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ireto allלְדֹ֣ר(lə·ḏōr)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1755:A revolution of time, an age, generation, a dwellinggenerations?וָדֹֽר׃(wā·ḏōr)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1755:A revolution of time, an age, generation, a dwelling
Links
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OT Poetry: Psalm 85:5 Will you be angry with us forever? (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
