Text: PSALM 89
By: EYANRIN, SUNDAY (EVANG.)
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INTRODUCTION
In continuation of our study of the Book of psalms, last week our Minister Bro. E. Adeoye took us through chapter 86, on the topic:
“TEACH ME THEY WAYS”
He emphasized greatly on the humility and trust of King David towards God. In humility David said in verse 1- 2, “Bow down your ear, O LORD, hear me; for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am holy; you are my God; save your servant who trust in you”.
Then, David presented his request before God. There after, the minister, concluded the message in verse 17, showing the trust David has in God. David declared, Show me a sign for good, that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed. Because you , LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
Today, we shall be looking at the 89 chapter of the Book of Psalms, on the topic:
“GOD’S PROMISES TO US”
Ethan the Ezrahite is said to be the songwriter / author of Psalm 89. The title of that psalm says it is “a maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.”
In addition to Psalm 89, Ethan the Ezrahite is mentioned in 1 Kings 4:30 – 31 as a wise man, yet not as wise as King Solomon, who “was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite.”
First Chronicles 2:6 gives an added information that Ethan was the son of Zerah (called Mahol in 1 Kings 4:31). He was of the tribe of Levi.
Psalm 89.has 52 verses
In Psalm 89 vs1–2, the psalmist declared:
1 I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations. 2 For I have said, “Mercy shall be built up forever; Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.”
Brethren, It is interesting to note that God’s faithfulness and mercy cannot be over emphasized, they go hand in hand. This is the very reason we are called Christians (1 Peter 2:9–10) That is something to sing about!
Where would we be without the faithfulness and mercy of God?
When I think about it often, it makes me tremble.
Rom. 5:8 says: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Psalm 89.3–4
3 “I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn to My servant David:4 ‘Your seed I will establish forever and build up your throne to all generations.’”
The psalmist knew of God’s faithful promise to David as recorded in 1 Kgs. 8:16, 2 Sam.7:11. However, we learn in the New Testament that the ultimate fulfillment was not with David on his throne, but the Seed of David, who is Jesus. This is confirmed in the New Testament beginning with the book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham… (Matt 1:1).
Psalm 89:5–14 (Read)
What praises God? The heavens praise His wonders. The assembly of the saints praise His faithfulness. (Psalm 150)
To whom shall we compare God?
No one in the heavens compares to Him.
No one among the sons of the mighty compared to Him.
Therefore, we fear Him and reverence Him.
For He God is our maker and creator.
The passage declares that His faithfulness surrounds Him, showing some details:
- He rules the sea.
- He broke Rehab.
- He owns the heavens and the Earth, including all points of the compass. Obviously, He is strong.
- Righteousness, justice, mercy, and truth are under Him and before Him.
Psalm 89.15–18 ( Read )
The Psalmist acknowledge the fact that:
The people who know the truth of verses 5–14 are blessed.
- They rejoice all day long.
- They are exalted in God’s righteousness.
- They have God’s glory for their strength.
- They have God as their shield.
- Their king belonged to the Holy One of Israel.
- “God is faithful in His character—praise Him”.
Psalm 89.19–37 ( Read )
Back in verses 15–18, the psalmist ended his list of the wonders of God with the fact that their king, David, and his sons, belonged to God. Then Ethan showed how God promised to bless David and his seed:
- God will help David.
- God anointed David.
- God shall strengthen David.
- The enemy shall not outwit David.
- God will beat down David’s enemies.
- God shall be faithful to David.
- God shall make David have dominion over the sea.
- God shall have a special relationship with David.
- God shall make David the firstborn and highest of earthly kings.
- God shall keep His covenant with David.
- God shall make David and his seed’s throne endure forever.
- God shall punish David’s seed for their sin.
Finally, God shall keep His covenant with David no matter what. “God is faithful to His covenant—trust Him”.
Psalm 89.38–45
After just listing all the way that God would show His faithfulness to David, Ethan then contrasted that with the current situation. In short, Israel and its king were beaten and the enemy exalted. How did that square with God’s faithfulness to David?
That disturbed Ethan. It is amazing that God would allow this in His word, but He knows how things look to us. He knows our struggles.
Verse 38 makes a strong contrast, as though he forgot what he himself had written in verses 30–32, that if God’s people forsake His law, He will punish them.
Truly, we often forget what we ourselves have declared so strenuously.
Verses 38–45 parallel verses 9–19:
“God is faithful in His chastening” accept – Him (Job. 5: 17). “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore, do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.
Psalm 89.46–48
Ethan wanted to know how long God would allow this situation to exist. It did not seem harmonious with God’s faithfulness. He pleaded with God to remember that they did not have much time. Surely God did not create man in vain.
Psalm 89.49–51
Ethan knew Israel’s history, especially of David, well. Ethan wanted to know where all that loving kindness had gone. He wanted God to keep His promises and His covenant.
Verses 46–51 contrast verses 22–37
Psalm 89.52 (Read )
Blessed be the LORD forevermore! Amen and Amen. Ethan tried to figure out God’s faithfulness during times of trouble, but Ethan anticipated that in time he would see God’s faithfulness, leading Ethan to bless God, and to add a double Amen to it.
“God’s faithfulness will never cease—wait for Him” Amen and Amen (Let it be so)
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