What does Psalm 85:5 reveal about God's anger and forgiveness? Text of Psalm 85:5 “Will You be angry with us forever? Will You draw out Your anger to all generations?” Immediate Literary Context (Psalm 85:1-7) Verses 1-3 recall YHWH’s past restoration, forgiveness, and withdrawal of wrath; verses 4-7 plead for renewal of that same mercy. Psalm 85:5 stands in the center of the petition section, voicing the fear that divine anger could persist unless grace intervenes. Historical Setting Internal clues (“You restored Jacob,” v.1; “brought back the captivity,” v.1) point to the early post-exilic period (ca. 538-515 BC). Israel, recently returned from Babylon, still faced drought, economic hardship, and insecurity (cf. Haggai 1:6-11). Corporate sin during and after the exile prompted the supplicants to ask whether God’s displeasure might continue “to all generations.” Theology of Divine Anger 1. God’s wrath is judicial, not capricious (Romans 1:18). 2. It is covenantal; violation invokes curses (Deuteronomy 28). 3. It is measured—He “does not keep His anger forever” (Psalm 103:9). 4. Discipline aims at restoration (Hebrews 12:5-11). Psalm 85:5 therefore recognizes anger as deserved yet makes an implicit appeal to God’s revealed character of mercy. Theology of Divine Forgiveness Verse 2 has already affirmed, “You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin.” The psalmist now uses that precedent to argue: Because God has forgiven, He can forgive again. Scripture consistently pairs forgiveness with substitutionary atonement (Leviticus 16; Isaiah 53; Hebrews 9:22). Psalm 85 anticipates Messiah, in whom “steadfast love and truth meet; righteousness and peace kiss” (v.10). Progressive Revelation: From Psalm 85 to Christ • Anger satisfied: Romans 3:25 teaches that God set forth Christ “as a propitiation… to demonstrate His righteousness,” resolving the tension of Psalm 85:5. • Forgiveness secured: Acts 13:38—“through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed.” • Covenant continuity: Jeremiah 31:34 foretold a new covenant where God “will remember their sins no more,” echoed in Hebrews 8:12. Archaeological Corroboration Elephantine papyri (5th c. BC) show a Jewish community using covenant terminology similar to Psalm 85. Their appeals for Persian permission to rebuild a temple mirror the Psalm’s plea for renewed favor, situating the text within verifiable post-exilic realities. Practical Application 1. Acknowledge sin and rightful wrath (1 John 1:8). 2. Appeal to God’s historical mercy fulfilled in Christ (Romans 5:9). 3. Rest confidently: “His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor a lifetime” (Psalm 30:5). 4. Extend forgiveness to others as evidence of grasping God’s grace (Ephesians 4:32). Summary Psalm 85:5 reveals that God’s anger is real, just, and potentially enduring, yet His covenant mercy invites sinners to seek, and expect, forgiveness. The cross of Christ answers the Psalmist’s questions with a decisive “No”—God’s wrath is not forever for those who believe; it was poured out on the Son so that generations might receive everlasting grace. |
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