Psalm 85:5

Will You be angry with us forever? Will You draw out Your anger to all generations?

Study Bible

Will You be angry with us forever?
This phrase begins with a direct question to God, reflecting a deep yearning for reconciliation and restoration. The Hebrew word for "angry" here is "אָנַף" (anaph), which conveys a sense of intense displeasure or wrath. Historically, this reflects the Israelites' understanding of God's righteous anger in response to their disobedience and sin. The use of "forever" (עוֹלָם, olam) suggests a fear of perpetual separation from God's favor, highlighting the urgency and desperation in the plea. This question is not just about divine anger but also about the hope for God's enduring mercy and forgiveness, a theme that resonates throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative.

Will You draw out Your anger to all generations?
The phrase "draw out" translates from the Hebrew "מָשַׁךְ" (mashak), meaning to prolong or extend. This suggests a concern that God's anger might not only affect the current generation but also future ones. The Israelites were acutely aware of the covenantal relationship with God, where the actions of one generation could impact the next. The mention of "all generations" (דּוֹר וָדוֹר, dor va-dor) underscores the communal and enduring nature of their relationship with God. It reflects a plea for divine intervention to break the cycle of sin and punishment, emphasizing the hope for a renewed relationship with God that transcends time and impacts future generations. This plea is rooted in the understanding of God's character as both just and merciful, a balance that is central to the biblical portrayal of God's dealings with humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Sons of Korah
The authors of Psalm 85, a group of Levitical singers and musicians who played a significant role in temple worship.

2. Israel
The nation to whom the Psalm is addressed, representing the people of God who are seeking restoration and forgiveness.

3. God
The central figure in the Psalm, whose anger and mercy are being addressed by the psalmist.

4. The Exile
The historical context likely involves the Babylonian Exile, a period of punishment and reflection for Israel.

5. Restoration
The event or hope for which the psalmist is pleading, seeking God's favor and forgiveness.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Anger
God'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 Mercy
While 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 Impact
The 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 Restoration
The 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 Repentance
This 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

1. How does understanding the historical context of the Babylonian Exile enhance our interpretation of Psalm 85:5?

2. In what ways can we see God's anger and mercy at work in our own lives today?

3. How can we apply the concept of generational impact in our families and communities to break cycles of sin?

4. What other biblical examples can you find where God's anger is followed by His mercy and restoration?

5. How does the New Testament teaching on reconciliation through Christ provide a deeper understanding of God's anger and mercy as seen in Psalm 85:5?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 34:6-7
This passage describes God's nature as compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love, which provides a backdrop for understanding His anger and mercy.

Lamentations 3:22-23
Highlights God's mercies being new every morning, offering hope that His anger is not eternal.

Isaiah 57:16
God declares that He will not contend forever, nor will He always be angry, which aligns with the plea in Psalm 85:5.

Micah 7:18-19
Emphasizes God's delight in showing mercy and His willingness to forgive, reinforcing the hope for restoration.

Romans 5:9-10
Discusses reconciliation through Christ, providing a New Testament perspective on God's anger and the ultimate restoration through Jesus.