Psalm 89:1-18

 (1) Overview

(BKC) This royal psalm is a prayer that God would honor the Davidic Covenant (2 Sam. 7:5–16)...Faced with the perplexing problem of the affliction and defeat of the anointed Davidic king, the psalmist implored the Lord to remember His oath and end this disaster. Ethan sought to motivate the Lord to answer his prayer by rehearsing the covenant promises and the divine attributes on which they rest. So the psalm is a study in the age-old apparent conflict between the promises of a faithful, loving God, and the catastrophes that often occur.

(2) Repeated words

(BKC) “love” (ḥeseḏ, vv. 1–2, 14, 24, 28, 33, 49), “faithfulness” (vv. 1–2, 5, 8, 33, 49), “throne” (of David; vv. 4, 14, 29, 36, 44), “David My servant” (vv. 3, 20; cf. v. 50), “anointed” (vv. 20, 38, 51), “covenant” (vv. 3, 28, 34, 39).

love/loyal love=(BDB) kindness, lovingkindness in condescending to the needs of his creatures

faithfulness=(BDB) firmness, steadfastness, fidelity, trust

(3) Outline and reflection

(Kel Ps) I.      Acclamation: The psalmist vows to praise the LORD for his faithfulness and love in establishing the covenant with David (1–4).

a. The divine attributes of love and faithfulness were shown in His promise to David. God is not just an abstract idea, but He is a person Who shows His character.

b. (EBC) The relationship between David and the Lord was guaranteed by “covenant” (berîṯ), made by oath. Even when the party with whom the Lord makes the covenant breaks the terms, its binding nature obligates the Lord to fulfill its terms (cf. vv. 34–35).

Reflection: When will be a time for you to hold on to the love and faithfulness of God? Since God is not just an abstract idea but a person, how shall we interact with Him and enjoy His fellowship?

(Kel Ps) II.       Praise: The psalmist appeals to the LORD by praising his incomparable attributes and his marvelous works done for those who trust in him (5–18).

(EBC) a.  Heavenly Praise of Yahweh’s Kingship (vv. 5–8)
                God's honor is above all the angelic beings

             (EBC) b.  Yahweh’s Universal Rule (vv. 9–13)
                            God's strength is above all the enemies. 

                      c.  The blessings of His people under His rulership

     God is honor and strong, but His rulership is not based solely on these, but by His characters. 

    89:14 Equity and justice are the foundation of your throne.
    Loyal love and faithfulness characterize your rule.

Therefore, as His people, Israel enjoyed the blessings:

    

    89:15 How blessed are the people who worship you!
    O LORD, they experience your favor.

  

    89:16 They rejoice in your name all day long,
    and are vindicated by your justice.
    89:17 For you give them splendor and strength.
    By your favor we are victorious.

Reflection: Rulership based on equity, justice, love and faithfulness are firm. People under this kind of rulership are blessed. When I think about some of the rulership in today's world I know some of them are coming to an end soon. People who are under such rulership suffer and do not enjoy any blessing. Law and order are not tools in the tyranny's hands. They are supposed to be the firm foundation of any rulership. 

That makes me more longing to the rulership of Christ in the future.

Audrey