An Examination of the LORD's Covenant with David (Psalm 89)

Psalm 89: The LORD's Covenant with David, and Israel's Afflications (A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite)

• God has established His covenant with David, and has promised that David's seed will sit on the throne forever (vv. 1-4). Ultimately, He will fulfill His promise through the Messiah.

• The LORD has established the Davidic dynasty, and David's heirs rule over Israel. God, however, is the King of the entire universe (vv. 5-18). As Sovereign, God rules over:

1) The heavens and angels (vv. 5-8)

2) The seas, Rahab (a name for Satan), and God's enemies 

    (vv. 9-10)

3) The heavens and the earth  (v. 11)

4) The north and the south, as well as the mountains Tabor and          Hermon (v. 12)

5) These things are accomplished through God's strong Arm and 

     mighty Hand (v. 13)

           

God's throne is established in righteousness, justice, lovingkindness, and truth (v. 14). Those who follow God are blessed and have Him as their shield (vv. 15-18).

• Because of God's covenant with David, He strengthens the monarchy. God will be a Father to the king, and the king will become His firstborn as well as the highest king on the earth 

(vv. 19-27). If David's descendants sin, God will punish them,

but He will never break His covenant, establishing the dynasty forever (vv. 28-37).

• Even though God has made His covenant with David, the dynasty has been downtrodden and despised (vv. 38-45). The psalmist wonders how long this will endure, and pleads for God to take action against the king's enemies (vv. 46-51).

• The psalm ends with a praise: Blessed be the LORD forever! Amen and Amen (v. 52).