Psalms 89 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalms 89 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

Psalms 88 and 89, and 1 Kings 4:31, mention the term "Ezrahite." The Ethan mentioned here may be the same as noted in 1 Kings 4:31. This may refer to a Canaanite family who integrated with Israel during their conquest of the Promised Land. A maskiyl appears to be some kind of contemplative, somber song (Psalm 32:1; 53:1; 55:1). While the psalm gives no direct connection, it might have been written in response to Egypt's successful raid against Rehoboam (1 Kings 14:25–28) or the onset of Babylonian captivity (2 Kings 24:10–16).

The psalmist begins with extensive praise of God, especially for establishing a covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:11–16). As part of this promise, the Lord planned to make David's descendants kings over Israel forever. This had implications for the Messiah: a role fulfilled by Jesus, a descendant of David. God's omnipotent might is among the reasons to worship Him. The text refers to Rahab, a sea monster (Isaiah 51:9), also used as a metaphor for Egypt (Psalm 87:4). This mention is one reason that Shishak's attack from Egypt (1 Kings 14:25) might be the motivation for Ethan's song (Psalm 89:1–10).

God's long history of power proves His ability to secure victory. The psalmist depicts God in terms of His justice, goodness, glory, strength, and love. Those who align with the Lord are blessed as a result. In one of Paul's letters (1 Corinthians 10:26), he cites similar passages (Psalm 24:1; 50:12) regarding God's ownership of all things (Psalm 89:11–18).

Next, the song speaks from the Lord's perspective as He speaks to the Messiah: the Promised One. This is the role eventually fulfilled by Jesus Christ (John 4:25–26). This figure is depicted as a world-conquering and exalted ruler. In Jesus' first coming, He came as a suffering servant (Isaiah 53); in His return, He will complete prophecies such as those in this psalm, by ruling the world in person (Revelation 20:4). Those who resist this Messiah will be utterly crushed and defeated. This is assured because God has promised it (Psalm 89:19–37).

In a rapid change of tone, the song shifts to mourning. These claims are bitter and almost read like an accusation. Israel—and the Davidic line of kings—are suffering ruin and humiliation. The psalmist goes as far as to suggest that God has rejected the covenant He made. Rather than allowing Israel's kings perpetual victory, they have experienced the worst possible defeats (Psalm 89:38–45).

The song then pleads with God, asking how long He will allow this defeat, which is associated with His wrath (Deuteronomy 28). The psalmist calls to mind the short nature of human life and the eventuality of death, asking who can deliver his soul. He wonders where God's steadfast love and His promise to David are, asking God to remember the insults Israel bears and the way their enemies mock. The psalm ends on a note of hope, with a declaration of praise for the Lord (Psalm 89:46–52).

Psalm 89:1–18 praises the Lord for unfailing love and faithfulness. He is also praised for making a covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:11–16). This is a sign of God's power and graciousness. Also impressive are the Lord's acts of sovereign power. Those who side with the Lord God are blessed for siding with Him.

Psalm 89:19–37 mostly speaks from God's perspective. He describes how He chose David to be Israel's king and strengthened him to defeat his foes. The Lord also made a covenant with David: a promise to give David an everlasting dynasty and a throne. These would eventually be fulfilled in the form of David's descendant, Jesus.

Psalm 89:38–45 turns from a celebration of the Lord and His selection of David, taking on a dramatic, almost accusing tone. The psalmist suggests that God has abandoned the covenant, aided Israel's enemies, and shamed the people. The very kingship of Israel has been defiled and put to shame. No explicit incident is associated with this severe mourning. However, the conquest of Babylon (2 Kings 24:10–16) and a successful raid by Egypt (1 Kings 14:25–28) are possible matches.

Psalm 89:46–52 closes the psalm begging the Lord to reverse Israel's fortunes before the psalmist dies. In this time of crisis, life itself seems pointless. While Israel is insulted and mocked, the psalmist calls on God to see and respond. History provides no indication of what was happening, but some suggest this was written about the Jewish exile under Babylon (2 Kings 24:10–16). Another possibility is an Egyptian raid (1 Kings 14:25–28) during the time of Rehoboam.

Chapter Summary:

This psalm is not directly connected to other events in Scripture; it might be associated with the Babylonian captivity (2 Kings 24:10–16) or the Egyptian raid against Rehoboam (1 Kings 14:25–28). The psalmist begins by praising God for His loyal love. It applauds His covenant with David. However, this turns to grief over apparent defeats and humiliations. The psalm ends with a plea for the Lord to remember His promises and reverse Israel's fortunes.

Chapter Context:

This psalm is attributed to Ethan, a Levite (1 Chronicles 15:17–18). The content suggests Israel had suffered one or more crushing defeats (1 Kings 14:25–28; 2 Kings 24:10–16). So, after celebrating God's love in establishing David's throne, the tone quickly turns to bitter mourning. This combination—faith paralleled with honest angst—is a common theme in the psalms (Psalm 22; 73; 74).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 12/18/2024 10:17:43 AM