Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 89

Book Three (Psalms 73–89) starts and ends with serious questions. Psalm 89 begins with praise for how the Lord established David’s throne and kingdom (89:1–37). But later the psalmist protests that the Lord seems to have rejected his covenant with David (Psalm 89:38–51; see 2 Samuel 7:8–16).

God’s loving devotion gives reason to celebrate forever.

Ethan the Ezrahite was a wise man (1 Kings 4:31; compare Psalm 88:1).

The psalmist repeats God's covenant with David (see also Psalm 89:19–37).

The Lord has sworn by his own holiness (Psalm 89:35; see 110:4).

God is the absolute standard of faithfulness, commitment, and order. The angelic beings and the heavens testify to his constancy.

Those in heaven praise God's greatness (see Psalm 8:1) because they witness his faithfulness.

heavenly beings: Literally son of God (see study note on Psalm 29:1–2).

• The Lord rules over all parts of the created order, including evil.

• You scattered Your enemies: The Lord will defeat (Luke 1:51) evil forces that oppose him (Psalm 2:1–3).

• with Your mighty arm: This phrase represents God’s strength (Psalm 89:13).

In this hymn, the psalmist celebrates God’s complete and powerful rule over nature.

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

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

Those who are wise worship God, walk in his light, rejoice in their relationship with him, and delight in his character.

The Lord protects his people with the same power by which he established the created order.

The Lord chose David as his son and king of Israel (see Psalm 2:4–6; 2 Samuel 7:8–16) to protect his people.

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

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 Samuel 22:47).

David would become the greatest of earthly kings. The Hebrew word translated highest is the same word used for God as “Most High” (‘elyon).

The Lord displays his faithfulness in the heavens, across his whole creation (see Psalm 89:2). In the same way, he confirms his commitment to the kings that would come from David's family.

The Lord disciplines his children when they go astray, but he does not reject them. He knows they will break their trust and will need correction, yet he remains committed to keep his covenant. His faithfulness to David is like his faithfulness to the created world.

holiness: The Lord is completely different from the created world (Psalm 22:3). His character is entirely pure. He acts according to his will (Psalm 115:3) and chooses to be faithful (89:1; 115:1). Therefore, he cannot lie.

You are enraged: The psalmist is confused by the severity of God's anger.

broken down all his walls: The Lord’s people are completely vulnerable.

Although the Lord promised to strengthen David, he has made David’s enemies strong

The psalmist wonders whether he will live long enough to see the Lord’s anger end. Human life is short and passes quickly before the Lord (Psalm 90:4, 10).

The phrase Your servants refers to the community loyal to the Lord.

This doxology (a short praise to God) ends Book Three of the Psalms (Psalms 73–89). It was not meant to be read as part of Psalm 89. Its words of praise stand in strong contrast to the pain and questions expressed in Psalm 89. Compare Psalm 41:13; 106:48.