Psalms 89

Ps 89 Book Three (Pss 73–89) begins and ends with weighty questions. Though Ps 89 begins with a praise-filled account of how the Lord exalted the throne of David (89:1-37), the psalmist protests the Lord’s apparent rejection of his covenant with David (89:38-51; see 2 Sam 7:8-16).89:title Ethan the Ezrahite was a wise man (1 Kgs 4:31; cp. Ps 88:title).89:1 God’s unfailing love gives reason to celebrate forever.

89:3-4 The psalmist restates God’s covenant with David (see also 89:19-37).89:3 The Lord has sworn by his own holiness (89:35; see 110:4).

89:5-8 God is the absolute standard of faithfulness, commitment, and order. The angelic beings and the heavens testify to his constancy.89:5 Praise for God’s greatness (see 8:1) comes from the inhabitants of heaven who witness his faithfulness.

89:6 mightiest angel: Literally son of God (see study note on 29:1-2).

89:9-13 In this hymn, the psalmist celebrates God’s comprehensive and powerful sovereignty over nature.89:9-10 The Lord rules over all parts of the created order, including evil. • You scattered your enemies: The Lord will crush (Luke 1:51) evil powers that oppose him (Ps 2:1-3). • with your mighty arm: This phrase represents God’s strength (89:13).

89:12 Mount Tabor was in northern Israel. Mount Hermon formed the extreme northern border of the nation.

89:14-18 God rules wisely over creation. The qualities of righteousness, justice, and faithfulness fit the profile of a wise ruler. The happy people who live under his rule enjoy his protection.

89:15-16 Those who are wise worship God, walk in his light, rejoice in their relationship with him, and exult in his character.

89:17-18 The Lord protects his people with the same power by which he established the created order.

89:19-37 The Lord chose David as his son and as king of Israel (see 2:4-6; 2 Sam 7:8-16) to provide protection for his people.

89:20 I have anointed him: This is the verb from which anointed one (Hebrew mashiakh, “messiah”) is derived.

89:26-29 The Lord adopted David as his son, appointed him as his commander over the nations, and promised to support him forever. Verse 26 recalls a verse from David’s song of praise (2 Sam 22:47).

89:27 David would be the most eminent of earthly kings. The Hebrew word translated mightiest is the same as the designation for God as “Most High” (‘elyon).

89:29 The Lord writes his faithfulness in heaven, on the canvas of his universe (see 89:2). He records his commitment to the dynasty of David in the same way.

89:30-37 The Lord disciplines but does not reject his erring children. He foresees violation of trust and subsequent punishment, but he commits himself to uphold the covenant. His fidelity to David corresponds to his faithfulness to the created order.

89:35 holiness: The Lord is wholly distinct from the created order (22:3); his character is totally pure. He does as he pleases (115:3), and he chooses to be faithful (89:1; 115:1); therefore, he cannot lie.

89:38 You are angry: The harshness of God’s wrath perplexes the psalmist.

89:40 broken down the walls: The Lord’s people are completely vulnerable.

89:42 Although the Lord promised to strengthen David, he secretly strengthened David’s enemies.

89:46-47 The psalmist wonders if he will live to see the end of the Lord’s anger. Our lifetimes are short, like a day in the Lord’s sight (90:4, 10).

89:50 The phrase your servants refers to the community loyal to the Lord.

89:52 This doxology concludes all of Book Three (Pss 73–89); it is not intended to be read as part of Ps 89. It stands in stark contrast to the anguish and questioning of Ps 89. Cp. 41:13; 106:48.