Bible Commentaries
Psalms 89

Introduction

Psalms 89:0

STROPHE DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

READING CYCLE THREE (see “Guide to Good Bible Reading”)

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Etc.

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS

A. This Psalm affirms YHWH's permanent choice of Abraham and his descendants by covenant promise (cf. Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15:12-21). These covenant promises are fully embodied in David and his royal Judean seed (cf. 2 Samuel 7:0; 1 Kings 8:16).

B. YHWH is the creator and sustainer of His people (Psalms 89:11-18). He is the leader of the heavenly council (Psalms 89:5-10, Psalms 89:19), which exists to accomplish His purposes.

C. But a tragedy has occurred: His people and their leaders are not faithful, not obedient (Psalms 89:38-45). Now there is a problem.

1. God has made promises

2. His people have failed

What will He do (Psalms 89:46-48, Psalms 89:49-51)?

D. It is interesting that this Psalm, unlike most Psalms, does not focus on Jerusalem (but Psalms 89:1-2, Psalms 89:15 implies temple worship) and the temple, but on the Davidic seed. It is surely drawing from 2 Samuel 7:0, which is about both

1. the building of the temple

2. the continuing of the Davidic dynasty

Number 1 is not even specifically mentioned in this Psalm.

E. Just a note about how the NT reinterprets these OT promises to Israel. Please see my commentaries online (www.freebiblecommentary.org) on Romans 2:28-29; Romans 9:6; Galatians 3:7-9, Galatians 3:26; Galatians 6:16; 1 Peter 3:6! The NT has widened the promises of God to include all the children of Adam (see Special Topic: YHWH's Eternal Redemptive Plan).

F. On the theological tension between conditional and unconditional covenant promises, see notes at Psalms 89:30-37.

Verses 1-4

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psalms 89:1-4 1I will sing of the lovingkindness of the Lord forever; To all generations I will make known Your faithfulness with my mouth. 2For I have said, “Lovingkindness will be built up forever; In the heavens You will establish Your faithfulness.” 3”I have made a covenant with My chosen; I have sworn to David My servant, 4I will establish your seed forever And build up your throne to all generations.” Selah.

Psalms 89:1-4 This strophe in NASB is divided into two strophes (Psalms 89:1-2, Psalms 89:3-4) by NKJV, NRSV, NJB because there are two speakers.

1. the psalmist in Psalms 89:1-2

a. I will sing - BDB 1010, KB 1479, Qal cohortative

b. I will make known - BDB 393, KB 390, Hiphil imperfect used in a cohortative sense

c. I have said. . . - BDB 55, KB 65, Qal perfect

2. YHWH Himself in Psalms 89:3-4

a. I have made a covenant - BDB 503, KB 500, Qal perfect

b. I have sworn - BDB 989, KB 1396, Niphal perfect

c. I will establish - BDB 465, KB 464, Hiphil imperfect

d. I will build up - BDB 124, KB 139, Qal perfect with waw (links to perfects in a and b)

Psalms 89:1 There are three words that occur several times in this Psalm.

1. lovingkindness, Psalms 89:1; Psalms 89:1, Psalms 89:2, Psalms 89:14, Psalms 89:24, Psalms 89:28, Psalms 89:33, Psalms 89:49 - see SPECIAL TOPIC: LOVINGKINDNESS (HESED)

2. forever, Psalms 89:1; Psalms 89:1, Psalms 89:2, Psalms 89:4, Psalms 89:28, Psalms 89:37, Psalms 89:52 - see Special Topic: Forever ('olam)

3. faithfulness, Psalms 89:1; Psalms 89:1, Psalms 89:2, Psalms 89:5, Psalms 89:8, Psalms 89:24, Psalms 89:33, Psalms 89:49 - see Special Topic: Believe, Trust, Faith and Faithfulness in the OT

They establish the hope of Israel in God's call, grace, protection, and provision forever.

The term “forever” is parallel to “all generations” (Psalms 89:1b, Psalms 89:4b).

Psalms 89:3 “covenant” See Special Topic: Covenant.

▣ “My chosen. . .David” This probably refers to

1. the choice of David as king over Saul, 1 Samuel 16:0; 2 Samuel 7:8

2. the promise to David about his descendants, 2 Samuel 7:12-17

▣ “My Servant” This becomes an honorific title (some examples).

1. Moses - Numbers 12:7; Joshua 1:2

2. Joshua - Judges 2:8

3. David - 1 Kings 8:24, 1 Kings 8:25, 1 Kings 8:26; Psalms 89:20

4. Solomon - 1 Kings 8:28

5. Messiah - Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 52:13-12

6. Israel - Isaiah 41:8; Isaiah 42:19; Isaiah 43:10; Isaiah 44:1, Isaiah 44:21

Psalms 89:4 This is an allusion to 2 Samuel 7:0. This Psalm has several allusions to YHWH's promise to David and his descendants.

1. 2 Samuel 7:13, 2 Samuel 7:16

2. 2 Samuel 7:10

3. 2 Samuel 7:9

4. 2 Samuel 7:13, 2 Samuel 7:16

5. 2 Samuel 7:15

6. 2 Samuel 7:8-17

▣ “your throne to all generations” This same promise is made in Isaiah 9:7; Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:14, Daniel 7:18, Daniel 7:27; Luke 1:33. YHWH has an eternal redemptive plan for all humans. See Special Topic: YHWH's Eternal Redemptive Plan.

The term “generations” is used of

1. promise to Noah - Genesis 9:12

2. promise to Abram - Genesis 17:7, Genesis 17:9

3. promise to Israel - Deuteronomy 7:9

4. promise to David - Psalms 89:4 (reflecting 2 Samuel 7:13, 2 Samuel 7:16)

▣ “Selah” This occurs at the end of Psalms 89:4, Psalms 89:37, Psalms 89:45, Psalms 89:48. It often serves to close a strophe. On the meaning of the word (BDB 699) see note online at Psalms 3:2.

Verses 5-10

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psalms 89:5-10 5The heavens will praise Your wonders, O Lord; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones. 6For who in the skies is comparable to the Lord? Who among the sons of the mighty is like the Lord, 7A God greatly feared in the council of the holy ones, And awesome above all those who are around Him? 8O Lord God of hosts, who is like You, O mighty Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You. 9You rule the swelling of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them. 10You Yourself crushed Rahab like one who is slain; You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.

Psalms 89:5-10 This strophe has two themes.

1. YHWH is the leader of the angelic council (Psalms 89:5-8)

a. the heavens - personified angelic council, Psalms 89:5; Psalms 89:5a

b. the assembly of the holy ones, Psalms 89:5b - BDB 874 construct BDB 872

c. the sons of gods, Psalms 89:6 - BDB 119 construct BDB 42, see notes at Psalms 89:1 and 82:1

d. the council of the holy ones, Psalms 89:7a - BDB 691 construct BDB 872

e. all those who are around Him, Psalms 89:7; Psalms 89:7b

f. for a good discussion of the Hebrew terminology see Millard Erickson, Christian Theology, 2nd ed., p. 412

2. YHWH as creator (i.e., over watery chaos) and holy warrior for Israel (i.e., over Egypt and Canaan, Psalms 89:9-10)

There are two Special Topics that help clarify the use of “son”

1. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE SON OF GOD

2. Special Topic: The Sons of God (Genesis 6)

Also note the excellent article in NIDOTTE, vol. 1, pp. 671-677, esp. 676.

Psalms 89:5 “the heavens” This is either

1. a personification of

a. earth

b. God's abode (parallel to “who in the skies”)

2. another way to refer to the angelic council (see note above)

▣ “O Lord” Notice the number of names/titles for Deity in this strophe.

1. Lord, Psalms 89:2, Psalms 89:5, Psalms 89:6 (twice), 8 - YHWH

2. God, Psalms 89:7 - El

3. God of hosts, Psalms 89:8 - Eloah Sabaoth

4. O mighty Lord, Psalms 89:8 - Yah (cf. Psalms 68:4); the adjective “mighty” (BDB 340) is found only here in the OT

Psalms 89:6-8 These questions are often used in two senses.

1. an affirmation of monotheism, see Special Topic: Monotheism

2. a way of depreciating the pagan idols (possibly Psalms 82:1)

Psalms 89:8 “Your faithfulness also surrounds You” This phrase is difficult to understand. Some possibilities:

1. faithfulness is like a robe wrapped about YHWH

2. He is faithful in all things (TEV)

3. He is constant (NJB, i.e., to His word)

Psalms 89:10 “Rahab” This (BDB 923) can refer to

1. watery chaos monster (cf. Psalms 74:12-17, i.e. Babylonian creation accounts, see my notes online on Intro. to Genesis 1-11)

2. Egypt (i.e., it's defeat by YHWH and the exodus, cf. Isaiah 51:9-11)

Verses 11-18

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psalms 89:11-18 11The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all it contains, You have founded them. 12The north and the south, You have created them; Tabor and Hermon shout for joy at Your name. 13You have a strong arm; Your hand is mighty, Your right hand is exalted. 14Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Lovingkindness and truth go before You. 15How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O Lord, they walk in the light of Your countenance. 16In Your name they rejoice all the day, And by Your righteousness they are exalted. 17For You are the glory of their strength, And by Your favor our horn is exalted. 18For our shield belongs to the Lord, And our king to the Holy One of Israel.

Psalms 89:11-18 This strophe praises YHWH and expresses how blessed His people are.

1. YHWH

a. the heavens are His

b. the earth is His because He founded them (i.e., YHWH as creator, cf. Psalms 24:1-2; Psalms 78:69b; Psalms 102:25; Isaiah 51:13, Isaiah 51:16)

c. the north and south were created by Him (imagery similar to Job 26:7)

d. the mountains of Tabor and Hermon are personified and shout at His name (cf. Psalms 65:12; Psalms 98:8)

e. His power (i.e., hand or arm, cf. Psalms 89:10, see SPECIAL TOPIC: HAND) to act is praised

(1) He has a strong arm

(2) His hand is mighty

(3) His right hand is exalted

f. four of His characteristics are personified as characterizing His person and reign (cf. Psalms 97:2)

(1) righteousness (see Special Topic: Righteousness)

(2) justice (see Special Topic: Judge, Justice, Judgment)

(3) lovingkindness (see Special Topic: Lovingkindness [hesed])

(4) truth/faithfulness (see Special Topic: Believe, Trust, Faith and Faithfulness in the OT)

g. He is “the Holy One of Israel” (cf. Psalms 71:22; Psalms 78:41: Isaiah 1:4; see SPECIAL TOPIC: THE HOLY ONE)

2. His people

a. blessed are those who hear the trumpet (i.e., temple worship)

b. walk in the light of His countenance (lit. “face,” which denotes YHWH's personal presence, cf. Psalms 90:8)

c. rejoice all day in His name (i.e., worship setting or military victory)

d. exalted by YHWH's righteousness (i.e., holy character and revelation)

e. YHWH is their glory and strength (cf. Psalms 28:8)

f. horn (i.e., power, prestige)

g. protection (lit. “shield”) is YHWH (cf. Psalms 47:9)

h. the king is also of YHWH

The pronoun “our” in Psalms 89:17-18 shows that YHWH uses the king of Israel as His “protecting/victorious horn and shield” (i.e., f-h).

Psalms 89:12 “the north and the south” It is possible these two terms are the names of two more mountains (i.e., Zaphon, i.e., the name of the Mt. of Ba'al, north of Ugarit; and Yamin or the emendation linking Amana, a mountain in southern Turkey, cf. Song of Solomon 4:8). This would form a parallel with Tabor and Hermon.

Most translators take them as opposite points of the compass showing YHWH's universal reign as creator.

Psalms 89:16 “Your name. . .Your righteousness” These are parallel and both refer to YHWH Himself.

Psalms 9:17 “horn” This is an idiom of power (cf. Psalms 75:10; Psalms 89:24; Psalms 92:10; Psalms 148:14), taken from the animal realm.

Psalms 89:18 “shield. . .king” These could both refer to YHWH or they could refer to the Davidic king (cf. Psalms 89:19-29; Psalms 84:10), God's anointed one to accomplish His purposes.

Verses 19-29

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psalms 89:19-29 19Once You spoke in vision to Your godly ones, And said, “I have given help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people. 20I have found David My servant; With My holy oil I have anointed him, 21With whom My hand will be established; My arm also will strengthen him. 22The enemy will not deceive him, Nor the son of wickedness afflict him. 23But I shall crush his adversaries before him, And strike those who hate him. 24My faithfulness and My lovingkindness will be with him, And in My name his horn will be exalted. 25I shall also set his hand on the sea And his right hand on the rivers. 26He will cry to Me, ‘You are my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation.' 27I also shall make him My firstborn, The highest of the kings of the earth. 28My lovingkindness I will keep for him forever, And My covenant shall be confirmed to him. 29So I will establish his descendants forever And his throne as the days of heaven.”

Psalms 89:19-29 This strophe is specifically about King David and his royal Judean descendants (cf. 2 Samuel 7:0). He becomes a type/symbol of the Messiah (see SPECIAL TOPIC: MESSIAH).

YHWH has spoken to His people (lit. Your godly/faithful [BDB 339] ones) about His special choice for the King of Israel (Psalms 89:19).

1. he was exalted, Psalms 89:19

2. he was chosen from among the people, Psalms 89:19

3. he was found, Psalms 89:20

4. he was anointed, Psalms 89:20 (cf. 1 Samuel 16:1-13; this is the Hebrew verb from which the title “Messiah” comes, see SPECIAL TOPIC: OT TITLES OF THE SPECIAL COMING ONE)

5. he was established, Psalms 89:21

6. he was strengthened, Psalms 89:21

7. he will not be deceived (BDB 674 II) or afflicted, Psalms 89:22

8. his adversaries will be crushed, Psalms 89:23

9. YHWH's personified characteristics (i.e., faithfulness and lovingkindness) will accompany him, Psalms 89:24

10. YHWH's name will exalt his horn, Psalms 89:24

11. he will control his territory, Psalms 89:25 (i.e., from the Mediterranean to the Euphrates River, cf. Exodus 23:31; Deuteronomy 1:7-8)

12. he will call God in intimate ways, Psalms 89:26

a. my Father (see SPECIAL TOPIC: FATHERhood of God and SPECIAL TOPIC: FATHER)

b. my God (El)

c. the rock of my salvation (cf. Psalms 95:1)

13. He will be appointed (no sexual generation) the honorific title “My firstborn” (cf. 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chronicles 17:13; 1 Chronicles 22:10; 1 Chronicles 28:6; Psalms 2:7), Psalms 89:27

14. he will be made the highest of the kings of the earth (cf. Psalms 72:11, obviously a Messianic title, cf. 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 1:5; Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16, a title for YHWH from Daniel 2:47; the kingdom will be universal, cf. Micah 5:4), Psalms 89:27

15. like #9, another personified characteristic of YHWH, will keep him forever, Psalms 89:28

16. YHWH's covenant will confirm him, Psalms 89:28 (cf. Psalms 89:3, Psalms 89:34)

17. his descendants will be established and reign forever, Psalms 89:29 (cf. Psalms 89:4; 2 Samuel 7:0)

Psalms 89:19 “Once You spoke in visions” This refers to Nathan speaking to David in 2 Samuel 7:14-17.

▣ “I have given help” The verb (BDB 1001, KB 1438, Piel perfect) means to set or to place.

The word “half” (עזר, BDB 740 I) is understood by some translators as

1. “diadem” - Godspeed

2. “crown” - NRSV, NAB

The term “crown” would involve an emendation to the MT, by changing the first letter, i.e., נזר, BDB 634, cf. Exodus 29:6; Exodus 39:30; Leviticus 8:9; Leviticus 21:12; 2 Samuel 1:10; 2 Kings 11:12; Psalms 89:39; Psalms 132:18; Proverbs 27:24; Zechariah 9:16. The UBS Text Project gives “help” an A rating (very high probability, p. 354).

Verses 30-37

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psalms 89:30-37 30”If his sons forsake My law And do not walk in My judgments, 31If they violate My statutes And do not keep My commandments, 32Then I will punish their transgression with the rod And their iniquity with stripes. 33But I will not break off My lovingkindness from him, Nor deal falsely in My faithfulness. 34My covenant I will not violate, Nor will I alter the utterance of My lips. 35Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David. 36His descendants shall endure forever And his throne as the sun before Me. 37It shall be established forever like the moon, And the witness in the sky is faithful.” Selah.

Psalms 89:30-37 This strophe is the shocking contrast to the wonderful plans and purposes of YHWH for His people (note “if” at Psalms 89:30 and 31).

1. they left His law, Psalms 89:30

2. they did not walk in His judgments, Psalms 89:30

3. they profaned His statutes, Psalms 89:31

4. they did not keep His commandments, Psalms 89:31

Yet YHWH makes a series of statements about what He will and will not do, even in light of Israel's failure to be faithful. He is faithful!

1. I will punish them for their sin, Psalms 89:32

2. but I will not break off My lovingkindness, Psalms 89:33

3. but I will not deal falsely because of My faithfulness, Psalms 89:33

4. I will not violate My own covenant, Psalms 89:34

5. I will not alter My words, Psalms 89:34

6. once I have sworn, I will not lie to David, Psalms 89:35

a. his descendants (lit. “seed”) will endure forever, Psalms 89:36

b. his throne is as secure as the sun, moon, sky, Psalms 89:36-37; Psalms 89:36-37 (for the secure order of creation see Jeremiah 31:35-37)

This illustrates the tension between conditional and unconditional promises. I have discussed this issue in two places.

1. See SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT

2. Crucial Intro. to Revelation, see Special Topic: OT Predictions of the Future vs. NT Predictions, especially the “third tension”

This same tension between a conditional and unconditional promise is illustrated by the contrast between Isaiah's emphatic statements that Jerusalem would never fall (Isaiah 37:0) and Jeremiah's insistence that it will fall because of Judah's idolatry and covenant disobedience.

The best guess at the historical crisis that elicited this Psalm is the exile of the Davidic King, either by Pharoah Necho II or Nebuchadnezzar II. This is only a guess; the Psalm itself does not clearly indicate the historical setting. Some kind of divine judgment has affected the Davidic king.

Psalms 89:30-31 “law. . .judgments. . .statutes. . .commandments” These are all parallel terms for YHWH's revelation in Scripture. See SPECIAL TOPIC: TERMS FOR GOD'S REVELATION.

Verses 38-45

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psalms 89:38-45 38But You have cast off and rejected, You have been full of wrath against Your anointed. 39You have spurned the covenant of Your servant; You have profaned his crown in the dust. 40You have broken down all his walls; You have brought his strongholds to ruin. 41All who pass along the way plunder him; He has become a reproach to his neighbors. 42You have exalted the right hand of his adversaries; You have made all his enemies rejoice. 43You also turn back the edge of his sword And have not made him stand in battle. 44You have made his splendor to cease And cast his throne to the ground. 45You have shortened the days of his youth; You have covered him with shame. Selah.

Psalms 89:38-45 In light of YHWH's statements about His faithfulness to the covenants (esp. Abraham and David) He has judged His people for their sin (cf. Psalms 89:32). This judgment was severe and seemingly unexplainable to Israel (series of perfects).

1. He cast off His anointed

2. He rejected (rare word, BDB 611, KB 658, cf. Lamentations 2:7) His anointed

3. He is full of wrath for His anointed

4. He spurned the covenant of His servant

5. He profaned his crown

6. He broke down the walls (of Jerusalem)

7. He brought his stronghold to ruin

8. He allowed foreigners to plunder him

9. He allowed him to become a reproach to his neighbors

10. He exalted the power of his enemies

11. He made his enemies rejoice

12. He allowed him to be defeated

13. He allowed his splendor to cease (see note below)

14. He cast his throne to the ground

15. He shortened his life (cf. Psalms 102:23)

16. He covered him in shame

Wow! What a judgment! Thank God for Psalms 89:33-37. Thank God for the NT, the gospel, the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus!

Psalms 89:44

NASB, JPSOA REB“splendor” NKJV, PESHITTA“glory” NRSV, TEV NJB“scepter from his hand” LXX“purification”

The term (מטהרו, BDB 372, UBS “A” rating) appears only here in the OT. The masculine noun's basic meaning is “clearness” or “luster,” which comes from the verb. The UBS Text Project (p. 356) suggests that NASB or LXX be followed. The emendation (מטה) of NRSV fits the parallelism of Psalms 89:44b better.

Psalms 89:41-48 This strophe asks the questions that have been repeated often in Psalms: “How long?” (cf. Psalms 6:3; Psalms 13:1; Psalms 74:10; Psalms 79:5; Psalms 80:4; Psalms 90:13; Psalms 94:3).

The unique aspect of this strophe is not the questions but the reasons given for YHWH to act (Psalms 89:47-51).

1. remember (Qal imperative) the frailty of human existence, Psalms 89:47-48

2. remember (Qal imperative) Your lovingkindness and faithful oaths to David

3. remember the reproach of Your people among the nations

4. remember that Your anointed has been reproached

There is a larger redemptive plan involving Israel and her Messiah. See Special Topic: YHWH's Eternal Redemptive Plan.

Verses 46-48

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psalms 89:46-48 46How long, O Lord? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath burn like fire? 47Remember what my span of life is; For what vanity You have created all the sons of men! 48What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah.

Psalms 89:46 “fire” See SPECIAL TOPIC: FIRE.

Verses 49-51

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psalms 89:49-51 49Where are Your former lovingkindnesses, O Lord, Which You swore to David in Your faithfulness? 50Remember, O Lord, the reproach of Your servants; How I bear in my bosom the reproach of all the many peoples, 51With which Your enemies have reproached, O Lord, With which they have reproached the footsteps of Your anointed.

Psalms 89:49 “O Lord” This is the term Adon (i.e., Lord, owner, master). Notice it reappears in Psalms 89:50, but is YHWH in Psalms 89:51. The covenant name for God dominates this Psalm (5 times).

Verse 52

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psalms 89:52 52Blessed be the Lord forever! Amen and Amen.

Psalms 89:52 God will work it out! He will be both just and merciful. He will be true to His word!

This phrase is not part of Psalms 89:0 but the closing doxology of Book III of the Psalter (i.e., the other books also close with doxologies, Ps. 4:14; Psalms 72:18-19; Psalms 106:48).

▣ “Amen” See SPECIAL TOPIC: AMEN.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.

1. Read this Psalm as a whole; what is the subject of the Psalm?

2. Explain the difference between an unconditional covenant and a conditional covenant.

3. Define “lovingkindness” and “faithfulness.”

4. How is this Psalm related to 2 Samuel 7:0?

5. Does the OT use Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Canaanite mythology? If so, why?

6. How is the Israeli king a son of God?

7. Does this Psalm have a Messianic aspect? If so, how?