Psalm 89 – God’s Covenant to David Fulfilled in Jesus Christ

LINK: Psalm 89

BACKGROUND

We do not know the particular disaster Judah is facing in this psalm, but it is traditionally associated with what you read yesterday in 1 Kings 14, the invasion of Judah by Shishak of Egypt around 925 B.C.  

This royal psalm was written by Ethan the Ezrahite who was a wise Levite man in the time of Solomon (See 1 Kings 4:31, 1 Chronicles 15:17-18,). It is a song that praises God for His covenant faithfulness and loyal love with His chosen one, David. It is a prayer that reminds God of His covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:5-16); that He would establish David's line forever and implores God to end the particular disaster they are facing. Remember that the Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7 is hugely important in the Scarlet Thread of Redemption. Know it well!

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

This psalm looks forward to the future reign of Jesus Christ, David’s descendant and “firstborn” (Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15,18; Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 1:5). Psalm 89:27 is a prophecy concerning David’s line that would last forever. It will reach its ultimate fulfillment and fullest expression when Jesus Christ reigns over the world (see Revelation 22:5)!

REFLECTION

I also shall make him My firstborn,

The highest of the kings of the earth. 

(Revelation 19:16)

My lovingkindness I will keep for him forever,

And My covenant shall be confirmed to him.

So I will establish his descendants forever

And his throne as the days of heaven.

(Psalm 89:27-29)

Jesus is that descendant of David whose throne has been established forever! This is something to reflect upon. 

APPLICATION

If someone makes a promise to you, and then circumstances change, making it seemingly impossible for that person to keep his word, you are faced with a choice: you can either let your problems cast a shadow on his promise, or allow his promise to shed light on your problems. It all depends on the trustworthiness of your promise-maker.  

God made a promise to David (89:3-4) that's recorded in 2 Samuel 7:13-16. God promised David an everlasting house, throne, and kingdom. Yet, at times it appeared David's family line was doomed. On at least two occasions the "royal family" was reduced to but a single member (2 Chronicles 21:4; 22:10-12). Did that mean God's promise was faulty? Not at all! It only high-lighted the importance of daily faith in the Promise-Giver.  

Label one side of a sheet of paper "God's Unkept Promises"; the other, "Promises God Made -- and Kept." Then do your own survey of Noah, Abraham, Jonah, and others. What did they discover about the promises of God? Does that shed light on God's promises for you?  (The Daily Walk, June 17, 2008, p. 22)

Recording the promises of God and their fulfillment is a good thing to do as you continue reading through the Old Testament this year. 

PRAYER

We will sing of Your great love forever for sending us Jesus, and it is in His name we pray, Amen.