Psalms 85:5

Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?

Psalms 85:5 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 85 is a community lament from the sons of Korah. Israel prays for God to restore His favour after a time of trouble. Earlier verses recall how God forgave their sins and brought them back from captivity. Now the psalmist asks two urgent questions about the length of God’s anger.

Meaning

The Hebrew verb translated “draw out” means to prolong or extend. The phrase “to all generations” intensifies the plea: will God’s wrath stretch endlessly into the future? These questions are not accusations. They are honest cries for mercy, revealing the tension between God’s justice and His compassion. The psalmist does not doubt God’s power, but he struggles to understand why discipline continues.

Biblical connections

Psalm 79:5 asks a similar question, showing God’s people crying out in national distress. Yet the psalmist trusts that God does not keep His anger forever with His own people. When they repent and seek His face, He turns away His wrath. The following verses in Psalm 85:6-7 express hope that God will revive and show mercy, directly answering the plea of verse 5.

Application

This verse teaches believers to bring their fears and questions about God’s discipline honestly before Him. We can acknowledge our sins and the reality of His righteous anger, while still trusting in His mercy. God’s love is enduring, and He desires to forgive and restore those who humble themselves. We do not need to hide our confusion; we can pray with the same honesty.

Reflection

When we face consequences for our wrongdoing, we may wonder if God’s displeasure will last. Like the psalmist, we can pray with humility and hope. God’s anger toward His people is brief, but His loving-kindness is everlasting. He invites us to ask, to wait, and to trust in His character.