Bible Commentaries

Psalm 89

God’s Faithfulness: His Oath-bound Covenant with David

1. Jehovah’s faithfulness (Psalms 89:1-18)

2. His covenant with David (Psalms 89:19-37)

3. The ruin and desolation (Psalms 89:38-45)

4. How long, Lord? Remember! (Psalms 89:46-52)

A Maschil of Ethan, a Merarite (1 Chronicles 6:44; 1 Chronicles 15:17). The greater part of this Psalm extols Jehovah’s lovingkindness and faithfulness and makes prominent the covenant with David. We must of course look beyond David and behold Him, the Son of David in whom this covenant will be ratified. Viewed prophetically this Psalm becomes intensely interesting. Psalms 89:4-37 tell us of all the blessings which will be on earth when our Lord, the Son of David, is King. He is the Firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth (Psalms 89:27). All His enemies will be beaten down, they are scattered (Psalms 89:10; Psalms 89:22). Justice and judgment will be the foundations of His throne, mercy and truth will go before His face (Psalms 89:14). His people will be blessed and walk in the light of His countenance; He will be the glory of their strength, their defense and their King (Psalms 89:15-18). His seed (including the heavenly people, the Church, and the earthly people) shall endure forever, and His throne as the days of heaven (Psalms 89:29; Psalms 89:36). The past ruin of the house of David and the people Israel, the result of unbelief and disobedience, covered with shame instead of glory, is described in Psalms 89:38-45 and the prayer follows that the Lord may remember what He has sworn to David.