Meditations on the Psalms #174

Psalm 89 Part 1

The author of this Psalm, Ethan, is mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31 as someone who was famous for his wisdom. He began this psalm with a declaration of praise in song, which focused on the everlasting lovingkindness of Yahweh. The two keywords in this psalm are each mentioned 7 times: ‘lovingkindness’ (chesed) and ‘Faithfulness.’ V1a is looking backward and 1b is looking forward. The psalm begins in light and ends in fog, unlike psalm 88 which was fog all over. This is a psalm with a lot of trouble, but the presence of trouble didn’t silence the psalmist’s praise; he sang of God’s lovingkindness. Hope in a troubled time rests on the promise of God. What stirred this song (v3) was the Covenant (promise) made to David coupled with God’s unending lovingkindness and faithfulness to that agreement.

The entire scheme and design of the cathedral of the OT rests on the 3 pillars found in the keywords that form the foundation of this psalm. These three words are: 1) Chesed – God’s grace, His Unfailing love (NIV, NRSV) for His people and faithfulness to 2) Berit – His covenant, and 3)Torah – His teachings or instructions. These three words form the entire confessional background for the Jewish faith and lay the foundation for Spiritual Israel – the Christian church. If these three words support the OT Cathedral, they are also pillars of the Art Gallery we call the book of psalms.

In times of trouble, it is better to praise God for His unfailing love and faithfulness than to complain about present circumstances. It is easier to complain. God is faithful; His will must ultimately triumph, but whether or not we triumph depends upon how we relate ourselves to His will. Is the will of God your sovereign law? The first 4 verses form the introduction on this exposition of the Davidic covenant.
The everlasting covenant God made with David(v3) is described in 2 Samuel 7. This was a promise to build and establish the house of David forever. It would be most perfectly fulfilled in the One known as the Son of David – the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:23). Selah!

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