What is the meaning of Psalm 85:5? 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). summary Psalm 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. |
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