Nov 17, 2015
Famine in the Land Yet
God Remains Faithful
Psalm 89
A psalm (Maskil) of Ethan the
Ezrahite
Author: Ethan (or
one of his descendants) is the author of this Psalm. Ethan is
possibly the Levitical leader and one of the head musicians/singers
in the Temple (1 Chronicles 6:42; 15:17-19).
Historical context:
God had promised to make David the mightiest King on earth (2 Sam.
7; 1 Kin. 8:23; 1 Chr. 17; 2 Chr. 21:7; Ps. 110). In
doing so, God would protect David and David’s descendants (2 Sam.
7:13; 16, 18), and ultimately Messiah Jesus would reign from
David’s throne - forever (Luke 1:31-33). Even though
Jerusalem was destroyed and no kings were reigning in Jerusalem at
this time, God remained faithful and He continues to carry out His
promises. God’s promises are - and forever will be - fulfilled
through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Messianic descendant
of David (Matt. 1:1; Luke 3:23-28) and the Eternal Prophet, Priest,
and King of Israel (Heb. 1:1-10:18). Looking beyond the pale of the
author’s personal national dilemma - the apparent total ruin of the
Davidic monarchy - the author chooses to focus on the LORD and His
greatness, regardless of his own personal circumstances and future.
As always, man is humbled, and God is glorified. In one word, with
restored confidence in God and His Word, the author closes with,
“Blessed be the LORD forever! Amen and Amen.” (Psalm
89:52)
The Lord’s Covenant with
David and Israel’s Afflictions (89:1-37)
Praise and remembrance of God’s love
and faithfulness (89:1-4).
God’s worthiness to be praised and
adored (89:5-14).
God’s covenant blessing and
protection upon David (89:15-37).
God’s Seeming Neglect of the
Davidic Covenant (89:38-52)
The Psalmist's heartfelt cry
(89:46-51).
The Psalmist's heartfelt distress
(89:46-51).
The Doxology - “Blessed be
the LORD forever!” (89:52)
Scriptures: Psalm
89; Luke 1:30; Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 26:16; Psalm 135: 1-4;
Deuteronomy 14:2; Titus 2:11-15; 1 Peter 2:9; Psalm
89:52.
Chris Lawson
Jude 3