WE HAVE HEARD THE JOYFUL SOUND.
Psalm 89:1-4, Psalm 89:15-18.
The Psalmist Ethan twice applauds the LORD’s mercy and faithfulness (PSALM 89:1-2). This reassurance is rooted in the LORD’s covenant promise to David (PSALM 89:3). The “seed” whose throne is “for ever” (PSALM 89:4) ultimately refers to the promised seed of the woman (cf. Genesis 3:15), and the singular seed of Abraham, ‘which is Christ’ (cf. Galatians 3:16).
David had wanted to build a house for the LORD (cf. 2 Samuel 7:1-2), but the LORD intended rather to build the ‘house’ - i.e., the dynasty - of David (cf. 2 Samuel 7:16). Even during the dark years of the Exile, when there was once more no apparent ‘King’ in Israel, the dispersed Jews held on to the hope of One who would come to re-establish David’s kingdom. Then one day the LORD returned, and taking up a new tabernacle walked right back into the lives of His people (cf. John 1:14).
PSALM 89:15. “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.”
There is a hymn that begins, ‘We have heard the joyful sound, Jesus saves.’ The Gospel is ‘good tidings of great joy’ (cf. Luke 2:10). Blessed indeed are those who know, and have experienced the significance of that festal shout.
Those who have shared in the joy of the Gospel message shall walk “in the light of” the LORD’s presence. Now, that is something to make a noise about!
PSALM 89:16. “In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.”
‘Rejoice in the Lord always,’ says Paul: ‘and again I say, Rejoice’ (cf. Philippians 4:4). And what cause for joy he presents: ‘when we are found in Him (Jesus), not having our own righteousness… but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith’ (cf. Philippians 3:9).
It is the LORD’s own righteousness that exalts His people. We are ‘made the righteousness of God in Him (Jesus)’ (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21).
PSALM 89:17. “For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted.”
The LORD is the source of both the righteousness and the strength of His people. Our strength is in Him. ‘The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation’ (cf. Psalm 118:14).
The Psalmist counts himself as one of the blessed people when he switches from “their” strength to “our” horn. The horn represents power, or glory. We do not lift up our horns with the arrogance of a brute beast, but it is the LORD who favourably “exalts” the “horn” of His strength in His people.
PSALM 89:18. “For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.” The LORD is our defender. ‘The LORD is my strength and my shield... He is the saving strength of His anointed’ (cf. Psalm 28:7-8).
“The Holy One of Israel” is the very epitome, the highest example, of holiness. That He is “of Israel” states that He is the God of the covenant. This is our King. Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD.
'Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD' (cf. Psalm 33:12).
