Dublin, OH
Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
89:19-37 God Promised an Enduring Dynasty to David. The mention of the king's role in Israel (v. 18) leads to the story of how the line of David came into the kingship, and what promises God made to that line. The psalm draws on the story of David's anointing (1 Sam. 16:1-13) and God's oath to David (2 Sam. 7:4-17).
89:19 Your godly one most likely refers to Nathan, who received God's instructions by night in a vision (cf. 2 Sam. 7:17). If the Hebrew manuscripts that have the plural "godly ones" (see ESV footnote) are correct, then it refers to both Nathan and Samuel (cf. 1 Sam. 16:1-3; prophets typically received God's speech in dreams and visions [1 Sam. 3:1; cf. Num. 12:6]). On God's choice of David, cf. 1 Sam. 13:14 and 15:28.
89:20 servant. See note on 78:70. anointed. See 1 Sam. 16:13, and note on Ps. 2:2.
89:24-25 steadfast love. Cf. v. 33; 2 Sam. 7:15. horn be exalted. Cf. Ps. 89:17, where it is the people's "horn": the people's horn is exalted in connection with David's horn being exalted. (On the image, see note on 75:4.) The heirs of David represent and embody the people. For hand and right hand, cf. 89:13, where it is God's hand. The king also serves the people as God's representative.
89:26-28 Father . . . firstborn. Cf. 2 Sam. 7:14. Just as Israel is God's "firstborn" (Ex. 4:22), so the king is the firstborn as the people's embodiment (see note on Ps. 2:7). The NT calls Jesus the "firstborn," portraying him as the exalted heir of David who represents his people (Rom. 8:29; Col. 1:15, 18; Heb. 1:6; Rev. 1:5); he is the one who fulfills the prospect of being the highest of the kings of the earth (Rev. 1:5; 19:16; cf. Matt. 28:18-19; he is bringing the Gentiles to acknowledge this).
89:28-37 Cf. 2 Sam. 7:12-16. David's dynasty will not fail, but will indeed achieve its purpose (see note on Ps. 89:26-28). This does not mean that the particular occupants of the throne will be successful regardless of their faithfulness, nor does it imply that the dynasty can never go into obscurity (as it did during the exile). The lineage did survive, though its heir Zerubbabel was only a "governor" (Hag. 1:1); even so, God kept his promise (Hag. 2:23; see Matt. 1:12-16; Luke 3:23-27).
