Psalm 89:35-52
35 Once have I sworn by my holiness,
I will not lie to David. 36 His seed will endure forever,
his throne like the sun before me. 37 It will be established forever like the moon,
the faithful witness in the sky.” Selah.
38 But you have rejected and spurned.
You have been angry with your anointed. 39 You have renounced the covenant of your servant.
You have defiled his crown in the dust. 40 You have broken down all his hedges.
You have brought his strongholds to ruin. 41 All who pass by the way rob him.
He has become a reproach to his neighbors. 42 You have exalted the right hand of his adversaries.
You have made all of his enemies rejoice. 43 Yes, you turn back the edge of his sword,
and haven’t supported him in battle. 44 You have ended his splendor,
and thrown his throne down to the ground. 45 You have shortened the days of his youth.
You have covered him with shame. Selah. 46 How long, Yahweh?
Will you hide yourself forever?
Will your wrath burn like fire? 47 Remember how short my time is!
For what vanity have you created all the children of men! 48 What man is he who shall live and not see death,
who shall deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah. 49 Lord, where are your former loving kindnesses,
which you swore to David in your faithfulness? 50 Remember, Lord, the reproach of your servants,
how I bear in my heart the taunts of all the mighty peoples, 51 With which your enemies have mocked, Yahweh,
with which they have mocked the footsteps of your anointed one. 52 Blessed be Yahweh forevermore.
Amen, and Amen.
BOOK IV
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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.