Psalms 85:5
Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?
Main message
Psalm 85:5: The prayer asks whether God's anger will continue forever and extend through generations.
Meaning in context
Psalm 85:4–7 · Restore us and show steadfast love — The people ask God to turn them again, revive them, show covenant love, and grant salvation.
The question gives voice to communal distress. It does not deny God's justice; it appeals to the God whose mercy and forgiveness were remembered in the opening verses.
Further teachings
Lament can question honestly
Faithful prayer can name the fear that judgment may continue indefinitely.
Cross References: Psalm 85:5.
Applications in daily life
- 1
Long seasons of distress
Bring difficult questions to God rather than hiding them.
Do not equate prolonged suffering with proof that God is personally angry with a particular sufferer.
Related Bible passages and resources
Common misreadings
Every long hardship proves divine anger.
The psalm voices a communal covenant lament; it does not provide a universal diagnostic for individual suffering.
How to Apply Psalms 85:5
Meditate on Psalms 85:5 by reading it aloud each morning this week. Ask yourself how its message from Scripture applies to a current challenge you are facing. Write one specific step you will take today in response to its truth — and revisit that commitment at the end of the week.
Sources & Method
Biblical text
Psalm 85 (en).
- Author:
- The Lord Will Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Ugo Candido
- Last updated:
- Reviewed on: