Psalm 89:
“I Will Sing of the Lord’s Mercies Forever”
“Blessed be the LORD for evermore.
Amen, and amen.”
Psalm 88 ended with “No answer yet.” Psalm 89 is the answer of God to all problems. God has an anointed one who is the center and substance of all spiritual needs. Let us begin with the overview in verses 1-4:
With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.
For I have said, "Mercy shall be built up forever;
Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens."
"I have made a covenant with My chosen,
I have sworn to My servant David:
'Your seed I will establish forever,
And build up your throne to all generations.' "
Selah
This long poem moves through eight thoughts that are based on the first four verses, and ends with a double “Amen” (see 41:13).
Let us learn the message of the psalm as we meditate on—
- the faithfuless of God Who rules all (89:5-10)
- the righteousness of God Who owns all (89:11-18)
- the promise to His anointed (David; 89:19-23)
- the firstborn calls Him Father (89:24-29)
- the conditional covenant is to be kept by His sons (89:30-37)
- the fury seen in His punishment (89:38-45)
- the questions that are asked in light of His fury (89:46-48)
- the request in light of God’s nature (89:49-51)
In verses 11-18, the poet leads us to think on the righteousness of God. The whole section is based on the words of verse 14: “Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.” All truth is rooted in the nature of God, and all of God’s actions are rooted in His nature. Since verse 14 is true, God’s righteousness in all things is guaranteed. This extends to all of the things He created and uses in the physical universe (vv.11-13). And it produces unspeakable joy and confidence in those who decide to depend upon Him for all things (vv.15-18).
In verses 19-23, the poet leads us to think on the promise that was made to David, who became God’s anointed when Saul was rejected (1 Samuel 16). In choosing David, the Lord also found one who could serve as a type of His only begotten son, Jesus Christ the Lord. David’s heart, soul, and desire to do the will of God allowed God to work in his life. And the victories that were won through David served as the basis of the hope we have in the son of David Who now reigns at the right hand of God.
In verses 24-29, the poet leads us to think on the position that God occupied in the life of this “firstborn” one. He called God “Father” (v.26). Again, this central verse of the section before us serves as the point which explains why God was able to use him in exalted fellowship (vv.24,25), and in an exalted position (vv. 27-29). The wording here reminds us of the Messianic promises of 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17, which are fulfilled in Acts 2, where Peter announces that David’s seed is at the right hand of God—exalted! As a result of that which the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit accomplished, we have the privilege of being part of the church of the firstborn (ones), whose names are written in heaven (Hebrews 12:22,23).
In verses 30-37, the poet leads us to think on the conditional covenant of God. The conditional nature of the covenant meant that God would punish those who broke it. Sometimes, under the law of Moses, that punishment was severe and long lasting. But the promise to David regarding the coming Christ was part of an unconditional commitment from God. He was going to send the seed of woman (Genesis 3:15), Shiloh (Genesis 49:10), a prophet like unto Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-18), and “David” (Hosea 3:5). Likewise, the covenant that God has established through this second “David” is also conditional. We, who embrace this covenant through faith, repentance, confession, and baptism, must remain faithful. If we do not continue steadfastly, punishment is sure to come. Let us learn from the unfaithfulness of many under the law—and let us never fall away (2 Peter 1:5-11).
In verses 38-45, the poet leads us to think on the fury of God that can be seen when He punishes those who become unfaithful to Him. If we were to eliminate all of the stories of falling away from God that are in the Bible, there would not be much left. But the truth that God chastises the unfaithful, and that He will punish them in hell if they do not repent, remains as one of the most ignored of all Bible truths. Please, please study the fury of God towards the unfaithful, and if such a study serves as a chastisement to you because you are not faithful, then be thankful that you thought about it while you still had time! And then, REPENT! And do the first works (Revelation 2:5).
In verses 46-48, the poet leads us to think about some questions in light of God’s fury. Will you please think about them, too?
- How long, LORD?
- Will You hide Yourself forever?
- Will Your wrath burn like fire?
- Remember how short my time is; For what futility have You created all the children of men?
- What man can live and not see death?
- Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave? (NKJV)
In verses 49-51, the poet leads us to think about a request in light of the nature of God. The enemy is taunting God’s anointed (and His people). They are suffering, but they are now calling on God’s past lovingkindnesses to be renewed in their present situation. They desired to be counted as faithful again—repentance had occurred!
The psalm ends with praise and a double “Amen.” Possibly the double amen signifies the true reverence and humility of the petitioner. Let us learn to place great emphasis on the things that matter, too.
— Skip Andrews
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VOLUME 3:16 AUGUST 5, 2001