I Will Sing (Psalm 89)

In the midst of divine punishment for our sins, do we still praise God for His mercy? Let’s look at Psalm 89.

A contemplation by Ethan, the Ezrahite. (WEB)

Do we sing self-centered songs or songs about God?

I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, ‘I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations.’” [Selah] (Ps 89:1-4 NIV)

Do the saints in heaven and on earth praise God? Does God scatter our enemies?

And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O Lord; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints. For who in the heavens can be compared to the Lord? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the Lord? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him. O Lord God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You. You rule the raging of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them. You have broken Rahab [Egypt] in pieces, as one who is slain; You have scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm. (Ps 89:5-10 NKJV)

How omnipotent is God? Who designed and created everything that is? Who provides us the ultimate protection?

The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours—you created it all. You created north and south. Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon praise your name. Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants. Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness. You are their glorious strength. It pleases you to make us strong. Yes, our protection comes from the Lord, and he, the Holy One of Israel, has given us our king. (Ps 89:11-18 NLT)

Did God take a young man and anoint him as king over Israel?

Then you spoke in vision to your saints, and said, “I have given strength to the warrior. I have exalted a young man from the people. I have found David, my servant. I have anointed him with my holy oil, with whom my hand shall be established. My arm will also strengthen him. (Ps 89:19-21 WEB)

What did God ultimately do to David’s enemies, and what will He also do to ours?

No enemy will oppress him; no wicked person will make him suffer. I will crush all his foes in front of him. I will strike down all those who hate him. My faithfulness and my loyal love will be with him. He will be strengthened by my name. I will set his hand on the sea. I will set his strong hand on the rivers. He will cry out to me: “You are my father, my God, the rock of my salvation.” (Ps 89:22-26 CEB)

What legacy would David’s descendants carry with them? Is this hinting at his descendant Jesus Christ?

I have chosen David as my first-born son, and he will be the ruler of all kings on earth. My love for him will last, and my agreement with him will never be broken. One of David's descendants will always be king, and his family will rule until the sky disappears. Suppose some of his children should reject my Law and refuse my instructions. Or suppose they should disobey all of my teachings. Then I will correct and punish them because of their sins. But I will always love David and faithfully keep all of my promises to him. (Ps 89:27-33 CEV)

Which offspring of David and whose throne will endure forever?

I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips. Once for all I have sworn by my holiness; I will not lie to David. His offspring shall endure forever, his throne as long as the sun before me. Like the moon it shall be established forever, a faithful witness in the skies. Selah (Ps 89:34-37 ESV)

Did God’s covenant of promise given to David, include punishment for sins which violated that same covenant? In the midst of such punishment, can we think that God has gone against His own promises?

But You have spurned and rejected him; You have become enraged with Your anointed. You have repudiated the covenant with Your servant; You have completely dishonored his crown. You have broken down all his walls; You have reduced his fortified cities to ruins. All who pass by plunder him; he has become an object of ridicule to his neighbors. You have lifted high the right hand of his foes; You have made all his enemies rejoice. You have also turned back his sharp sword and have not let him stand in battle. You have made his splendor cease and have overturned his throne. You have shortened the days of his youth; You have covered him with shame. Selah (Ps 89:38-45 HCSB)