Psalm 89:4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 89:1-4

The psalmist has a very sad complaint to make of the deplorable condition of the family of David at this time, and yet he begins the psalm with songs of praise; for we must, in every thing, in every state, give thanks; thus we must glorify the Lord in the fire. We think, when we are in trouble, that we get ease by complaining; but we do more?we get joy, by praising. Let our complaints therefore be turned into thanksgivings; and in these verses we find that which will be matter of praise and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 89:4

Thy seed will I establish for ever ,.... Meaning not the natural seed of David, at least not only them; whose family was indeed preserved, though in very low circumstances, until the Messiah came, who sprung from thence, Luke 1:27 , but the spiritual seed of Christ, to whom it was promised that he should have a seed, and should see and enjoy it, and which should endure for ever; see Psalm 89:29 , and so he always has had a seed to serve him in all generations, in the worst of times, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 89:4

Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations - And this covenant had most incontestably Jesus Christ in view. This is the seed, or posterity, that should sit on the throne, and reign for ever and ever. David and his family are long since become extinct; none of his race has sat on the Jewish throne for more than two thousand years: but the Christ has reigned invariably since that time, and will reign till all his enemies are put under his feet; and to this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 89:1-4

are introductory to the first section ( Psalms 89:1-37 ). They strike the keynote, which is, first, praise of God's faithfulness generally ( Psalms 89:1 , Psalms 89:2 ), and secondly, praise of him in respect of the Davidical covenant ( Psalms 89:3 , Psalms 89:4 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 89:1-8

God's faithfulness. This is the keynote of the psalm, the beautiful strain which is heard over and over again in varied forms throughout. There are pieces of music in which some one sweet air recurs repeatedly, now as if amid the rush and roar of a tempest, anon, when the music has sunk down into quietness; you hear it now loud, now soft, now stirring in sonorous strains, now soothing in plaintive gentle tones; but it is the same air still. And the blessed thought of the faithfulness of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 89:1-52

Psalms 89:52 is no part of the psalm, but the doxology which concludes the Book. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 89:1-52

The general subject— God's promise to David and his seed but the present state of things is a bitter contrast to the promise, and a prayer that God would remove the contrast. Suggests— I. THAT GOD HAS ENTERED INTO A GRAND COVENANT WITH MANKIND . Given us the greatest and most precious promises. 1 . Promises that relate to our highest nature. "I will be a Father to them, and ye shall be my sons and daughters." 2 . That relate to our greatest calamity. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 89:2-4

The security of God's pledged word. "Thy seed will I establish forever." The keynote of the psalm is the "faithfulness" of God to his word. "God had entered into 'an everlasting covenant' with David, and had confirmed that covenant with an oath. In the most absolute and unconditional form, God had pledged himself to establish the kingdom of David and his seed forever, to beat down all their adversaries under their feet, and to maintain their throne as long as the sun and moon should... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 89:4

Thy seed will I establish forever (see 2 Samuel 7:12 , 2 Samuel 7:13 ; Psalms 130:1-8 :12). And build up thy throne to all generations. The promises to David were not fulfilled in the letter. After Zerubbabel, no prince of the Davidic house sat on the throne of David, or had temporal sway over Israel. The descendants of David sank into obscurity, and so remained for five centuries. Still, however, God's faithfulness was sure. In Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, the true King of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 89:4

Thy seed will I establish for ever - Thy children; thy posterity. The reference is to his successors on the throne. The promise was that there should not fail to be one on his throne; that is, that his dynasty should never become extinct. See 2 Samuel 7:16 : “And thy house and thy kingdom shall be established forever before thee: thy throne shall be established forever.” Compare also 1 Kings 2:4. The word rendered “establish” means properly to fit; then, to make firm; to put on a solid... read more

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