Bible Commentaries
Psalms 89

Verse 1

Maschil

Maschil, instruction.

Verse 27

higher than the kings of the earth

The eighty-ninth Psalm is at once the confirmation and exposition of the Davidic Covenant 2 Samuel 7:9-14. That the covenant itself looks far beyond David and Solomon is sure from Psalms 89:27. "Higher than the kings of the earth" can only refer to Immanuel. ; Isaiah 7:13-15; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 9:7; Micah 5:2.

The Psalm is in four parts:

(1) The covenant, though springing from the lovingkindness of Jehovah, yet rests upon His oath (vs. 1-4).

(2) Jehovah is glorified for His power and goodness in connection with the covenant (vs 5-18).

(3) The response of Jehovah (vs. 19-37). This is in two parts:

(a), it confirms the covenant (Psalms 89:19-29), but (b), warns that disobedience in the royal posterity of David will be punished with chastening (Psalms 89:30-32). Historically this chastening began in the division of the Davidic kingdom ; 1 Kings 11:26-36; 1 Kings 12:16-20 and culminated in the captivities and that subordination of Israel to the Gentiles which still continues. See "Gentiles, times of" ; Luke 21:24; Revelation 16:14.

(4) The plea of the Remnant Isaiah 1:9; Romans 11:5 who urge the severity and long continuance of the chastening (Psalms 89:38-52).

See Psalm 102., next in order of the Messianic Psalms.

Verse 48

grave

Heb. "Sheol," (See Scofield " :-") .