September 4, 2024

Another Banger: I Could Sing of Your Love Forever

Psalm 89

Casey Ansbro
Wednesday's Devo

September 4, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

September 4, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

September 4, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

September 4, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 89:1

I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever;
with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 89

I Will Sing of the Steadfast Love of the LORD

A Maskil 1 89:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term of Ethan the Ezrahite.

1  I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever;
    with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.
2  For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever;
    in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.”
3  You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one;
    I have sworn to David my servant:
4  ‘I will establish your offspring forever,
    and build your throne for all generations.’” Selah

5  Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD,
    your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!
6  For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD?
    Who among the heavenly beings 2 89:6 Hebrew the sons of God, or the sons of might is like the LORD,
7  a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones,
    and awesome above all who are around him?
8  O LORD God of hosts,
    who is mighty as you are, O LORD,
    with your faithfulness all around you?
9  You rule the raging of the sea;
    when its waves rise, you still them.
10  You crushed Rahab like a carcass;
    you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
11  The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours;
    the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.
12  The north and the south, you have created them;
    Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name.
13  You have a mighty arm;
    strong is your hand, high your right hand.
14  Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
    steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
15  Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
    who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face,
16  who exult in your name all the day
    and in your righteousness are exalted.
17  For you are the glory of their strength;
    by your favor our horn is exalted.
18  For our shield belongs to the LORD,
    our king to the Holy One of Israel.

19  Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one, 3 89:19 Some Hebrew manuscripts godly ones and said:
    “I have granted help to one who is mighty;
    I have exalted one chosen from the people.
20  I have found David, my servant;
    with my holy oil I have anointed him,
21  so that my hand shall be established with him;
    my arm also shall strengthen him.
22  The enemy shall not outwit him;
    the wicked shall not humble him.
23  I will crush his foes before him
    and strike down those who hate him.
24  My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him,
    and in my name shall his horn be exalted.
25  I will set his hand on the sea
    and his right hand on the rivers.
26  He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father,
    my God, and the Rock of my salvation.’
27  And I will make him the firstborn,
    the highest of the kings of the earth.
28  My steadfast love I will keep for him forever,
    and my covenant will stand firm 4 89:28 Or will remain faithful for him.
29  I will establish his offspring forever
    and his throne as the days of the heavens.
30  If his children forsake my law
    and do not walk according to my rules, 5 89:30 Or my just decrees
31  if they violate my statutes
    and do not keep my commandments,
32  then I will punish their transgression with the rod
    and their iniquity with stripes,
33  but I will not remove from him my steadfast love
    or be false to my faithfulness.
34  I will not violate my covenant
    or alter the word that went forth from my lips.
35  Once for all I have sworn by my holiness;
    I will not lie to David.
36  His offspring shall endure forever,
    his throne as long as the sun before me.
37  Like the moon it shall be established forever,
    a faithful witness in the skies.” Selah

38  But now you have cast off and rejected;
    you are full of wrath against your anointed.
39  You have renounced the covenant with your servant;
    you have defiled his crown in the dust.
40  You have breached all his walls;
    you have laid his strongholds in ruins.
41  All who pass by plunder him;
    he has become the scorn of his neighbors.
42  You have exalted the right hand of his foes;
    you have made all his enemies rejoice.
43  You have also turned back the edge of his sword,
    and you have not made him stand in battle.
44  You have made his splendor to cease
    and cast his throne to the ground.
45  You have cut short the days of his youth;
    you have covered him with shame. Selah

46  How long, O LORD? Will you hide yourself forever?
    How long will your wrath burn like fire?
47  Remember how short my time is!
    For what vanity you have created all the children of man!
48  What man can live and never see death?
    Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah

49  Lord, where is your steadfast love of old,
    which by your faithfulness you swore to David?
50  Remember, O Lord, how your servants are mocked,
    and how I bear in my heart the insults 6 89:50 Hebrew lacks the insults of all the many nations,
51  with which your enemies mock, O LORD,
    with which they mock the footsteps of your anointed.

52  Blessed be the LORD forever!
    Amen and Amen.

Footnotes

[1] 89:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term
[2] 89:6 Hebrew the sons of God, or the sons of might
[3] 89:19 Some Hebrew manuscripts godly ones
[4] 89:28 Or will remain faithful
[5] 89:30 Or my just decrees
[6] 89:50 Hebrew lacks the insults
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Psalms Fact #46: Finding your way

Fact: Finding your way

Finding your way in the ancient world was often an inexact science. Without a compass or map, topographical features such as oases and mountains were heavily relied upon. The few maps available were often unreliable because they may have been produced to mark a kingdom’s boundaries rather than as a tool for navigation.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 89:1–4 In raising up David and his descendants to be kings for his people, God has displayed his steadfast love and faithfulness. These words, which recall Ex. 34:6, appear throughout the psalm (Ps. 89:1, 2, 14, 24, 28 [see ESV footnote], 33, 49). Verses 3–4 refer to the events of 2 Sam. 7:8–16, God’s promise to David to establish his offspring forever. Because the promise is rooted in God’s enduring love for his people, and because it is a covenant, the term “forever” is important. If the covenant is forever, then why has humiliation come (Ps. 89:38–45)? But “forever” also means they can offer this prayer confidently, knowing that God will be true to his own word.

Study Notes

Ps. 89:8–10 God is more mighty than any other being. He governs even the raging of the sea; to the people of that day, the sea represented humanly unmanageable chaos.

Study Notes
Psalms Fact #46: Finding your way

Fact: Finding your way

Finding your way in the ancient world was often an inexact science. Without a compass or map, topographical features such as oases and mountains were heavily relied upon. The few maps available were often unreliable because they may have been produced to mark a kingdom’s boundaries rather than as a tool for navigation.

Study Notes

Ps. 89:13–14 The pairing of God’s hand and his right hand refers to his power for the sake of his own people (see 74:11; 138:7).

Study Notes

Ps. 89:15–18 God has given his people a special place in his plan for the world. They are exalted, and God pledges his strength on their behalf.

Study Notes

Ps. 89:19 Your godly one most likely refers to Nathan, who received God’s instructions by night in a vision (see 2 Sam. 7:17).

Study Notes

Ps. 89:24–25 steadfast love. See v. 33; 2 Sam. 7:15. For hand and right hand, see Ps. 89:13, where it is God’s hand. The king also serves the people as God’s representative.

Study Notes

Ps. 89:26–28 Father . . . firstborn. See 2 Sam. 7:14. Just as Israel is God’s “firstborn” (Ex. 4:22), so the king is the firstborn as he represents the people (see note on Ps. 2:7).

Study Notes

Ps. 89:19–37 The mention of the king’s role in Israel (v. 18) leads to the story of how David and his heirs came to be the royal family (1 Sam. 16:1–13) and what promises God made to them (2 Sam. 7:4–17).

Study Notes

Ps. 89:38–45 It looks and feels as if God has not kept his promises to the house of David (and thus to his people). This section repeats words from the preceding parts of the psalm to stress the feeling of betrayal. God’s anointed (v. 38) was his special choice (v. 20), but now God is full of wrath against him. The covenant (v. 39) should have meant security (v. 34), but God has renounced it. The king’s “right hand” (v. 42) should govern even the rivers (v. 25), but now God has exalted the right hand of his foes. David’s throne (v. 44) was to endure as long as the sun (vv. 29, 36), but now God has cast it to the ground. Rather than David’s heir being “the highest of the kings of the earth” (v. 27), now all the Gentiles triumph over him and his people (vv. 40–43). Although things seem bleak, the psalm is not hopeless. The current hardship may be God’s punishment of the king for unfaithfulness, and so it is a call to repentance.

Study Notes

Ps. 89:46–51 There is great comfort in the promise of an enduring Davidic house. The people can be confident that their present low condition is not the end of their story. The appeal is to God’s steadfast love and faithfulness (v. 49, see note on vv. 1–4) as expressed in his oath to David (v. 24).

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 89. This is a community lament, but with a distinctive flavor. The people celebrate the Davidic kingship as God’s special gift to his people, but they also mourn the distress into which they have fallen. They interpret that distress as God’s wrath against his anointed king. They pray earnestly for God to bless his people by blessing their king with wisdom, goodness, and might.

S3:174 Psalm 89

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Dive Deeper | Psalm 89

I don't know about y'all, but I was not blessed with a beautiful singing voice. I love to sing to the Lord, but I can't help feeling self-conscious. In Psalm 89, however, we see Ethan the Ezrahite confidently telling the Lord, "I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations." (Psalm 89:1) He sang of the faithfulness and steadfast love of the Lord despite his circumstances.

In this passage, "steadfast love" is mentioned seven times, while "faithfulness" is mentioned eight times. This is who God is, and Ethan knew it very well, which leads him to start Psalm 89 by emphasizing praise to God for His covenant with David.

We see this promise upheld and fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Matthew 21:9). David and his line were not required to be obedient in order for this covenant to be fulfilled, as is confirmed in Psalm 89:30-33. Notice the "[i]f . . . then . . . but" language. The Lord continues in verses 34-37 to reinforce that He will keep His covenants and promises.

Despite all the disobedience and wickedness of Israel (and Casey), God's steadfast love and faithfulness have persisted. This passage expresses covenantal, unconditional loyalty and love. In Hebrew, it is known as khesed and is first seen in Exodus 34:6.

Psalm 89 progresses to Ethan's lament of a crisis in the kingdom. It felt like God's promise was being revoked. But Ethan held on to confidence in God's khesed and asked God to remember the covenant. Despite the kingdom crisis in front of his eyes, Ethan knows and trusts in the Lord to fulfill His covenant because of His khesed. So he finishes Psalm 89 by blessing God!

I keep in my wallet a note to God of praise and thanksgiving. I can so easily forget His khesed and need a constant reminder of who He is and what He has done and will continue to do. I now know that I can lift up my voice and the melody of my heart to the Lord as He waits with open ears.

This month's memory verse

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

– Galatians 5:25

Discussion Questions

1. What does your song sound like during times of trouble? In times of happiness? Is it joyful noise? (Psalm 100:1) Or is it a prayer of suffering? (James 5:13) Either way, we have the freedom to access God because of faith in Jesus as our Lord (Ephesians 3:12)!

2. Are you lamenting any "kingdom crumbling" moment right now? If so, I implore you to bring it to the Lord and share it with a trusted group of believers. We are called to share each other's burdens. It is both a blessing and a way for believers to live in obedience to God and to each other (Galatians 6:2).

3. Share with your community group what stood out to you about God's character in today's passage.

4. How can you use your words to make known God's faithfulness? If sharing the gospel does not feel like your strong suit, please know there are resources to help build that muscle! We are God's Plan A for spreading the gospel. What a beautiful privilege and call that is! 

5. Consider writing a note to God and keeping it with you. Mine included thanksgiving and praise for what He has done as well as telling Him I trust Him with what's ahead. Make it your own!

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

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Michael Scaman

"Surely God is good to Israel started book 3!" in psalm 73 A response of " I will sing of the love of the LORD forever." starts the final Psalm, psalm 89, of book 3, a book with national crisis. Hard things with no easy answers didn’t stop singing about God’s love. Book 2 ended like a utopia Book 3 ends feeling like a dystopia. David’s crown as is lying in the dust. They aren’t seen fulfilled by the writer but he knows they are true. A long muffled praise ends book 3. Stunning promises to David recounted. Possibly done by someone in his line going to exile. True history but points forward to Jesus: - **Servant of God:** David is called God's servant (v. 3, 20). - **Anointed King:** David is explicitly named as God's anointed (v. 20). - **Covenant with God:** The covenant with David, promising enduring lineage and throne, is highlighted (v. 3, 28). - **Metaphorical Son of God:** David is referred to as God’s son, signifying a special relationship (v. 26). - **Recipient of Divine Faithfulness and Love:** David's relationship with God is characterized by steadfast love and faithfulness (v. 24, 28, 33, 49). - Although it feels like David’s crown is in the dust, God has forever promises stronger than the sun or moon shining being around fulfilled in Jesus. - Just as there is the seed of the woman and the seed of Abraham there are promises for the seed of David. Psalms 89:35-37 In book 4. The next book, David will for that book be off the table and instead of focusing on why his crown seems in the dust, the focus is put on God the shepherd king. God’s crown is just fine. And then in book 5. The David figure pointing to Jesus comes back larger than ever sitting at the right hand of God.
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Michael Scaman

Lots of affinity with music. Just like the Sons of Korah were psalm writing musical bouncers in the temple and David a musical King, Jeduthan was a musical wise man. 1 Chronicles 15:16–24 Has Asaph, Ethan. Herman among the people leading the music as the ark came to Zion. 1 Kings 4:31. He [Solomon] wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. Solomon Psalms 72 and 127 Heman Psalm 88 (one of the 3 wise brothers) Ethan. Psalm 89 (possibly Jeduthan the chief musician) Jeduthan may be Ethan. Asaph. Ethan. Herman in 1 Chronicles 15:16–24 , 1 Chronicles 16:41-42 1 . Chronicles 25,
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greg jones

Good morning Casey. “I don't know about y'all, but I was not blessed with a beautiful singing voice.” If it’s just you and me people would say “all y’all was not blessed with a beautiful singing voice.” I have sworn to David my servant; “I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.” Psalm 89:3b-4 Psalm 89:19-37 is about David and his descendant sons who rule Israel and then Judah after Israel splits. Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one, and said:    “I have granted help to one who is mighty;     I have exalted one chosen from the people. I have found David, my servant; Psalm 89:19-20 Psalm 89:38 there is a transition “But now you have cast off and rejected; you are full of wrath against your anointed.” Verse 49 ask a question. Lord, where is your steadfast love of old, which by your faithfulness you swore to David? Verses 50-51 make a statement. “Remember, O Lord, how your servants are mocked, and how I bear in my heart the insults of all the many nations, with which your enemies mock, O LORD, with which they mock the footsteps of your anointed.” It’s like the thought is, “God, how is this going to get fixed?” And it’s like in the gap between verse 51 and 52 old Ethan gets the answer but he don’t say it. He just finishes with; Blessed be the LORD forever!     Amen and Amen. And after Ethan said “Amen and Amen” all the people back then said “I got to buy Psalm book 4 to see where this story goes!” Just kidding. Jesus is all about permanently filling the gap between verses 51 and 52. “We see this promise upheld and fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Matthew 21:9).” The OT doesn’t end at the fall of the Davidic monarchy. It carries on through the Babylonian exile and into the beginning of the second temple era. And between this psalm and Jesus there is a bunch scripture that has a lot of developments that Bible nerds like to read closely to better understand everything the Bible is telling us. The answer that Ethan hints at looks and sounds something like this. Solomon, of old, who’s wisdom was considered even greater that Ethan’s, prays after dedicating the temple. The prayer is in 1 Kings 8. God hears Solomon’s prayer and visits him, it is 1 Kings 9:1-9. The conversation they have sounds very familiar to a lot of what is mentioned in Psalm 89. That is, it contains the same if…then…but language. Hundreds of years later Chronicles is written and the setting it is written in is the second temple era. When 1 Kings 9:1-9 is “re-chronicled” in 2 Chronicles 7:11-22 notice how 2 Chronicles 7:13,14 gets added into the record. And it contains a new term, “when”. So, in between, 1 Kings 9 verse 3 and verse 4, is added; When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. From the days of old (Samuel, Kings) Israel’s fate was in the hands of the kings. Now, (Chronicles), Israel’s fate is in their own hands. This is a part of the story that will continue in the psalms that Ethan is hinting to in his gap. Then, all the people said: Blessed be the LORD forever!     Amen and Amen Great deeper dive I loved how you built around this idea. “This passage expresses covenantal, unconditional loyalty and love. In Hebrew, it is known as khesed and is first seen in Exodus 34:6.”
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Sue Bohlin

Thank you, Casey! The song "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever" ran through my head the entire time I read this psalm . . . I loved v. 9--"You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them." I wonder if this verse was rolling around Jesus' mind, so appropriate for when His boys woke Him up in the boat with the waves crashing over them, when He stood up and said, "HUSH NOW!" And the wind and the waves obeyed Him. That's another scene I REALLY hope there is video of in heaven . . .
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Amy Lowther

1. In times of trouble, my song usually reflects whatever trouble I am in, but God helps me correct things to overcome the troubles. In times of absolute happiness, my song is usually amazing. Any song can be joyful or not joyful. Songs can help increase and improve communication when usually there would be none. 2. My current schedule is very full with a little bit of everything. I trust God as I live my current schedule to improve it and my life in general. 3. I would share with community this passage helps me see God as strong and resourceful, someone to continue to rely on in everything. 4. I can ask someone how they are doing and help them if needed. 5. God, you are awesome and almighty. Thank you for supporting me and others in everything we do. Amen. Casey - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a good point in saying, “In this passage, "steadfast love" is mentioned seven times, while "faithfulness" is mentioned eight times. This is who God is, and Ethan knew it very well, which leads him to start Psalm 89 by emphasizing praise to God for His covenant with David”. Nicely done!