Psalm 89

Psalm 89 is the 89th psalm in the biblical Book of Psalms, part of the Hebrew Bible. In the slightly different numbering system in the Greek Septuagint version of the bible, and in its Latin translation, the Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 88. It is a psalm and maschil.[1] It has 52 verses and concludes Book 3 of the Psalms.[2]

This article uses Hebrew (Masoretic) psalm numbering. Psalm 89 in Greek (Septuagint or Vulgate) numbering corresponds to Psalm 90 in Hebrew numbering.

Analysis

The superscription of the psalm states that it was written by Ethan the Ezrahite, who, along with Heman the Ezrahite (to whom Psalm 88 is attributed), was a wise man from the time of, or prior to, King Solomon. 1 Kings 4:31 states that Solomon "was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations" (ESV).

In 2 Samuel 7:12–17, God promises King David that there will always be a king of the Jews. Some scholars claim that this psalm was written after the deportation of the Jews to Babylon.[3] However, this claim is inconsistent with the dating of Ethan to the time of Solomon. More likely is that it was written on behalf of the king (David or Solomon) during a time of trouble. The author expresses his belief that the promises outlined in 2 Samuel 7:12-17 will be fulfilled.

Psalm 89 begins with words of praise for Yahweh's goodness and covenant faithfulness. For the first 37 verses, the psalm recounts the promises made to King David and the covenant established by God with him; from verse 38 to 51, the psalmist laments what seems to him like God's lack of remembrance of his covenant promises. In the 52nd and closing verse, the psalmist's tone changes once again, proclaiming: "Blessed be the LORD forever! Amen and Amen" (ESV). With these words, the third book of the psalter is brought to a close.

Charles Spurgeon called it a Covenant Psalm and described it as "the utterance of a believer".[1]

Uses

Judaism

In the Jewish arrangement it closes the third book of the Psalms.[1]

New Testament

See also

References
  1. Charles H. Spurgeon, Psalm 89 in "Treasury of David" Archived 2015-11-28 at the Wayback Machine
  2. Psalm 89:1–52
  3. Gordon Churchyard, Psalm 89 at Make Your Kingdom Come Soon!
  4. The Artscroll Tehillim page 329
  5. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 74
  6. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 264
  7. The Complete Artscroll Machzor for Rosh Hashanah page 439
  8. Kirkpatrick, A. F. (1901). The Book of Psalms: with Introduction and Notes. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges. Book IV and V: Psalms XC-CL. Cambridge: At the University Press. p. 839. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  • Psalm 89 in Hebrew and English - Mechon-mamre
  • Psalm 89 King James Bible - Wikisource
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