Psalm 89:35-52
35 I have made an oath once by my holy name, that I will not be false to David. 36 His seed will not come to an end for ever; the seat of his kingdom will be like the sun before me. 37 It will be fixed for ever like the moon; and the witness in heaven is true. (Selah.)
38 But you have put him away in disgust; you have been angry with the king of your selection. 39 You have made your agreement with your servant of no effect: you have had no respect for his crown, it has come down even to the earth. 40 All his walls are broken down; you have given his strong towers to destruction. 41 All those who come by take away his goods; he is laughed at by his neighbours. 42 You have given power to the right hand of his haters; you have made glad all those who are against him. 43 His sword is turned back; you have not been his support in the fight. 44 You have put an end to his glory: the seat of his kingdom has been levelled to the earth. 45 You have made him old before his time; he is covered with shame. (Selah.) 46 How long, O Lord, will you Keep yourself for ever from our eyes? how long will your wrath be burning like fire? 47 See how short my time is; why have you made all men for no purpose? 48 What man now living will not see death? will he be able to keep back his soul from the underworld? (Selah.) 49 Lord, where are your earlier mercies? where is the oath which you made to David in unchanging faith? 50 Keep in mind, O Lord, the shame of your servants, and how the bitter words of all the people have come into my heart; 51 The bitter words of your haters, O Lord, shaming the footsteps of your king. 52 Let the Lord be praised for ever. So be it, So be it.
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Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 89:35-52
Commentary on Psalm 89:19-37
(Read Psalm 89:19-37)
The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and authority, in whom alone these predictions and promises are fully brought to pass. He is the mighty God. This is the Redeemer appointed for us, who alone is able to complete the work of our salvation. Let us seek an interest in these blessings, by the witness of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. As the Lord corrected the posterity of David for their transgressions, so his people shall be corrected for their sins. Yet it is but a rod, not a sword; it is to correct, not to destroy. It is a rod in the hand of God, who is wise, and knows what he does; gracious, and will do what is best. It is a rod which they shall never feel, but when there is need. As the sun and moon remain in heaven, whatever changes there seem to be in them, and again appear in due season; so the covenant of grace made in Christ, whatever alteration seems to come to it, should not be questioned.
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.