38 But God, you did walk off and leave us, you lost your temper with the one you anointed. 39 You tore up the promise you made to your servant, you stomped his crown in the mud. 40 You blasted his home to kingdom come, reduced his city to a pile of rubble 41 Picked clean by wayfaring strangers, a joke to all the neighbors. 42 You declared a holiday for all his enemies, and they're celebrating for all they're worth. 43 Angry, you opposed him in battle, refused to fight on his side; 44 You robbed him of his splendor, humiliated this warrior, ground his kingly honor in the dirt. 45 You took the best years of his life and left him an impotent, ruined husk. 46 How long do we put up with this, God? Are you gone for good? Will you hold this grudge forever? 47 Remember my sorrow and how short life is. Did you create men and women for nothing but this? 48 We'll see death soon enough. Everyone does. And there's no back door out of hell. 49 So where is the love you're so famous for, Lord? What happened to your promise to David? 50 Take a good look at your servant, dear Lord; I'm the butt of the jokes of all nations, 51 The taunting jokes of your enemies, God, as they dog the steps of your dear anointed. 52 Blessed be God forever and always! Yes. Oh, yes.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 89:38-52
Commentary on Psalm 89:38-52
(Read Psalm 89:38-52)
Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences with his promises, yet we are sure that God's works fulfil his word. When the great Anointed One, Christ himself, was upon the cross, God seemed to have cast him off, yet did not make void his covenant, for that was established for ever. The honour of the house of David was lost. Thrones and crowns are often laid in the dust; but there is a crown of glory reserved for Christ's spiritual seed, which fadeth not away. From all this complaint learn what work sin makes with families, noble families, with families in which religion has appeared. They plead with God for mercy. God's unchangeableness and faithfulness assure us that He will not cast off those whom he has chosen and covenanted with. They were reproached for serving him. The scoffers of the latter days, in like manner, reproach the footsteps of the Messiah when they ask, Where is the promise of his coming? 2 Peter 3:3,4. The records of the Lord's dealings with the family of David, show us his dealings with his church, and with believers. Their afflictions and distresses may be grievous, but he will not finally cast them off. Self-deceivers abuse this doctrine, and others by a careless walk bring themselves into darkness and distress; yet let the true believer rely on it for encouragement in the path of duty, and in bearing the cross. The psalm ends with praise, even after this sad complaint. Those who give God thanks for what he has done, may give him thanks for what he will do. God will follow those with his mercies, who follow him with praises.