If his children, &c. Ethan refers to the very words of warning given to Solomon (1 Kings 9:6 , 1 Kings 9:7 ; Compare Psa 11:11-13 ), which, with 2 Samuel 7:0 , should be read with this Psalm. Ethan (we may suppose) outlived Solomon, and saw the break-up of the kingdom; and left this Psalm for Instruction (Maschil) for all future time. children = sons. And walk not. Figure of speech Pleonasm ( App-6 ), for emphasis. read more
Psalms 89The writer of this royal psalm was Ethan, another wise Levitical musician in David’s service (1 Kings 4:31; 1 Chronicles 15:17-18). The occasion of writing is unclear. Judging from the content of the psalm it appears to have been a time after David had suffered defeat and some severe affliction.Ethan interceded for the king, claiming the Davidic Covenant promises (cf. 2 Samuel 7:5-16; 1 Chronicles 17). Why was God afflicting David so severely since He had promised to bless him so... read more
3. The promises of God 89:19-37 read more
Sin and disobedience would not cancel God’s promises to David in the covenant. They would bring discipline on the offenders, but God swore to deliver the blessings He had promised David.Since Jesus Christ, David’s descendant, has not yet ruled over Israel as these promises guarantee, we should look for a literal fulfillment of them in the future. This means He will rule on the earth, since this is what God promised David (2 Samuel 7:5-16). For this reason we look for an earthly reign of... read more
We have here another national and historical Ps., written when the Jewish kingdom and its king had fallen very low before their enemies, contrasting the promises made to David with their seeming lack of fulfilment in the course of events, and appealing to God to vindicate His faithfulness. Psalms 89:1-4 are introductory, announcing the Psalmist’s purpose of praising God, and recalling the covenant made with David. The following vv. celebrate God’s glory among His heavenly hosts (Psalms 89:5-7),... read more
(30-33) An elaboration of 2 Samuel 7:14-15, and evidently made with a purpose. The poet acknowledges the sin of Israel in past times, but also regards the sufferings of the exile as having been the punishment foretold by them. Hence the sin has been expiated, and the perplexity arises why Israel is still afflicted. read more
Psalms 89:15 In these words David speaks of the blessedness of the people that know the joyful sound. Although year by year the sound of the trumpet brightened the hearts of God's chosen people, yet there was one year in which that sound brought them exceeding joy. It was the year of jubilee when on the day of atonement, when all the solemn services of that day were over, there was brought to the suffering and to the poor great joy. At the sound of that trumpet every slave was set free. Yet the... read more
Psalms 89:1-52THE foundation of this psalm is the promise in 2 Samuel 7:1-29 which guaranteed the perpetuity of the Davidic kingdom. Many of the characteristic phrases of the prophecy recur here-e.g., the promises that the children of wickedness shall not afflict, and that the transgressions of David’s descendants should be followed by chastisement only, not by rejection. The contents of Nathan’s oracle are first given in brief in Psalms 89:3-4 -" like a text," as Hupfeld says-and again in... read more
Psalms 89:0 God’s Faithfulness: His Oath-bound Covenant with David 1. Jehovah’s faithfulness (Psalms 89:1-18 ) 2. His covenant with David (Psalms 89:19-37 ) 3. The ruin and desolation (Psalms 89:38-45 ) 4. How long, Lord? Remember! (Psalms 89:46-52 ) A Maschil of Ethan, a Merarite (1 Chronicles 6:44 ; 1 Chronicles 15:17 ). The greater part of this Psalm extols Jehovah’s lovingkindness and faithfulness and makes prominent the covenant with David. We must of course look beyond David and... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 89:1-52
Psalms 89:0 Remember the covenant with DavidApparently Israel had suffered some military setback that threatened its existence. This caused some people to think that God had forsaken his anointed king. The psalmist therefore recalls the covenant promise God made to David to preserve his dynasty for ever, and on the basis of this he claims God’s help (1-4; see 2 Samuel 7:8-16).Before speaking further of the covenant, the psalmist praises God for his majesty and greatness. None among the... read more