Psalm 89. This Psalm is a Maschil Psalm, written by Ethan the Ezrahite. Ethan could be either a wise man, one of the five sons of Zerah (1 Kings 4:31; 1 Chron. 2:6), but more likely the son of Kushaiah, and one of the chief singers of David, along with Asaph and Heman (1 Chron. 15:17). Psalm 89 is the only Psalm attributed to Ethan. This Psalm is an interesting contrast with the previous Psalm. In Psalm 88 we have the state of Israel on the ground of the law: i.e. fit for the wrath of God. In Psalm 89 we have Israel on the ground of God’s faithfulness to His promises, particularly to David His servant – “the sure mercies of David” (Isa. 55:3; Acts 13:34) – and the result is blessing! At the end of the Psalm (vv.38-51), Israel looks back on their experiences and soul exercises leading up their blessing in the Millennium.

 

 

vv.5-14 The Power of Jehovah in Accomplishing His Purpose. Jehovah’s faithfulness is celebrated; none in heaven can be compared to Him (v.6). God is viewed now as dwelling in Israel, feared by His saints, and those outside terrified of Him (v.7). Jehovah is called “the God of Hosts” and “the strong Jah”; both are figures of power. We have Jehovah’s victory over “the pride of the sea”, which refers to the deliverance from Pharaoh at the Red Sea. The name “Rahab” here (as in Psa. 87) is a poetic name given to Egypt, and it means “insolent”, or “arrogant” (see Isa. 30:7). Israel is looking all the way back to her deliverance from Egypt thousands of years before! All of Israel is seen rejoicing in the Lord, both north and south. Tabor and Hermon are two prominent mountains in Israel, and they are poetically described as triumphing in Jehovah’s name. The power of Jehovah is emphasized in v.13, and his character in v.14. Notice that power is not the foundation of Jehovah’s throne. With many worldly leaders, power is the principle of their rule. But with Jehovah, “Righteousness and judgment are the foundation of thy throne; loving-kindness and truth go before thy face”. In other words, Jehovah’s kingdom takes its character from His own character!

 

 

vv.15-18 The Blessedness of Israel with Jehovah as King. The “shout of joy” refers to a happy occasion when Israel is restored in the land and restored to the Lord; “they walk, O Jehovah, in the light of thy countenance”. This is a great key to joy; to walk in the light of God’s countenance. Jehovah is seen among the people, representing the people, and lending His power, protection, and glory to them. The “Holy One of Israel” would be Jehovah, in the Person of the Messiah. Jehovah Himself is Israel’s king in the Millennium!

 

 

vv.19-37 Jehovah’s Covenant with David Rehearsed. In these verses we have the covenant that Jehovah made with David rehearsed, but in it we see also a type of Christ. What we have is God side of the covenant with David, and God’s thoughts about it. In vv.20-29 we have all that Jehovah would do for David. He chose, found, and anointed David (vv.19-20). He established David’s kingdom (v.21), and set him from from nations that put Israel to tribute (v.22). Jehovah put down David enemies before him (v.23), and blessed David according to His own character (v.24). He made David to have dominion over the Gentiles (v.25), and fostered a relationship with him (v.26). God established an everlasting covenant with David, and promised a seed of David to set on the throne of Israel forever (vv.27-29). Further, Jehovah would graciously discipline David’s seed with “the rod” and “stripes”, in order to bring them back into a path of righteousness. We see this carried out in the books of Kings and Chronicles. But no matter what happened, even if those sons did not heed the discipline, Jehovah would not go back on the promise He had made; “My covenant will I not profane, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. Once have I sworn by my holiness; I will not lie unto David.” Those who deny the literal, future restoration of Israel would do well to read vv.33-37.

 

 

vv.38-51 Calling on Jehovah to Remember His Covenant. Israel now looks back on their experiences leading up their blessing in the Millennium. They are reviewing their exercises in the great tribulation. Seeing God made an everlasting, irrevocable covenant with David, how could it be that Israel was brought so low? They speak of the shame of being invaded, defeated, plundered, and killed. They even get to the point of saying that God has made void His covenant with David. The question is, “How long?” … how long until God fulfills His promise? “Where, Lord, are thy former loving-kindnesses, which thou swarest unto David in thy faithfulness?” (v.49). Israel cries to the Lord to remember His covenant, and remember his servants; to take note of the reproach that has fallen on Israel. The Lord will answer that prayer in the glorification of Messiah as the preeminent One over the earth.

 

v.52 Conclusion. In confidence that God will answer their prayer, the third book of the Psalms concludes with a burst of praise!