Psalms 89 — with JFB Commentary
The King James text with the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary (1871, public domain) directly beneath the verses it explains. Verses without a JFB note stand alone.
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1I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.
PSALM 89
Psa 89:1-52. Of Ethan--(See on Psa 88:1, title). This Psalm was composed during some season of great national distress, perhaps Absalom's rebellion. It contrasts the promised prosperity and perpetuity of David's throne (with reference to the great promise of 2Sa 7:12-17), with a time when God appeared to have forgotten His covenant. The picture thus drawn may typify the promises and the adversities of Christ's kingdom, and the terms of confiding appeal to God provided appropriate prayers for the divine aid and promised blessing.
1. mercies--those promised (Is 55:3; Ac 13:34), and--
faithfulness--that is, in fulfilling them.
2For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.
2. I have said--expressed, as well as felt, my convictions (2Co 4:13).
3I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,
3-4. The object of this faith expressed in God's words (2Sa 7:11-16).
with--or literally, "to"
my chosen--as the covenant is in the form of a promise.
4Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.
3-4. The object of this faith expressed in God's words (2Sa 7:11-16).
with--or literally, "to"
my chosen--as the covenant is in the form of a promise.
5And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.
6For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?
6-7. This is worthy of our belief, for His faithfulness (is praised) by the congregation of saints or holy ones; that is, angels (compare De 33:2; Da 8:13).
sons of the mighty--(compare Psa 29:1). So is He to be admired on earth.
7God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.
6-7. This is worthy of our belief, for His faithfulness (is praised) by the congregation of saints or holy ones; that is, angels (compare De 33:2; Da 8:13).
sons of the mighty--(compare Psa 29:1). So is He to be admired on earth.
8O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?
8-14. To illustrate His power and faithfulness examples are cited from history. His control of the sea (the most mighty and unstable object in nature), and of Egypt (Psa 87:4), the first great foe of Israel (subjected to utter helplessness from pride and insolence), are specimens. At the same time, the whole frame of nature founded and sustained by Him, Tabor and Hermon for "east and west," and "north and south," together representing the whole world, declare the same truth as to His attributes.
9Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.
8-14. To illustrate His power and faithfulness examples are cited from history. His control of the sea (the most mighty and unstable object in nature), and of Egypt (Psa 87:4), the first great foe of Israel (subjected to utter helplessness from pride and insolence), are specimens. At the same time, the whole frame of nature founded and sustained by Him, Tabor and Hermon for "east and west," and "north and south," together representing the whole world, declare the same truth as to His attributes.
10Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.
8-14. To illustrate His power and faithfulness examples are cited from history. His control of the sea (the most mighty and unstable object in nature), and of Egypt (Psa 87:4), the first great foe of Israel (subjected to utter helplessness from pride and insolence), are specimens. At the same time, the whole frame of nature founded and sustained by Him, Tabor and Hermon for "east and west," and "north and south," together representing the whole world, declare the same truth as to His attributes.
11The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.
8-14. To illustrate His power and faithfulness examples are cited from history. His control of the sea (the most mighty and unstable object in nature), and of Egypt (Psa 87:4), the first great foe of Israel (subjected to utter helplessness from pride and insolence), are specimens. At the same time, the whole frame of nature founded and sustained by Him, Tabor and Hermon for "east and west," and "north and south," together representing the whole world, declare the same truth as to His attributes.
12The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.
8-14. To illustrate His power and faithfulness examples are cited from history. His control of the sea (the most mighty and unstable object in nature), and of Egypt (Psa 87:4), the first great foe of Israel (subjected to utter helplessness from pride and insolence), are specimens. At the same time, the whole frame of nature founded and sustained by Him, Tabor and Hermon for "east and west," and "north and south," together representing the whole world, declare the same truth as to His attributes.
13Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.
8-14. To illustrate His power and faithfulness examples are cited from history. His control of the sea (the most mighty and unstable object in nature), and of Egypt (Psa 87:4), the first great foe of Israel (subjected to utter helplessness from pride and insolence), are specimens. At the same time, the whole frame of nature founded and sustained by Him, Tabor and Hermon for "east and west," and "north and south," together representing the whole world, declare the same truth as to His attributes.
14Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.
8-14. To illustrate His power and faithfulness examples are cited from history. His control of the sea (the most mighty and unstable object in nature), and of Egypt (Psa 87:4), the first great foe of Israel (subjected to utter helplessness from pride and insolence), are specimens. At the same time, the whole frame of nature founded and sustained by Him, Tabor and Hermon for "east and west," and "north and south," together representing the whole world, declare the same truth as to His attributes.
15Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.
15. His government of righteousness is served by "mercy" and "truth" as ministers (Psa 85:10-13).
know the joyful sound--understand and appreciate the spiritual blessings symbolized by the feasts to which the people were called by the trumpet (Le 25:9, &c.).
walk ... countenance--live in His favor (Psa 4:6; 44:3).
16In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.
16-17. in--or, "by"
thy righteousness--Thy faithful just rule.
glory--or, "beauty."
of their strength--They shall be adorned as well as protected.
our horn--exalt our power (Psa 75:10; Lu 1:69).
17For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted.
16-17. in--or, "by"
thy righteousness--Thy faithful just rule.
glory--or, "beauty."
of their strength--They shall be adorned as well as protected.
our horn--exalt our power (Psa 75:10; Lu 1:69).
18For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.
18. (Margin). Thus is introduced the promise to "our shield," "our king," David.
19Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
20I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
21With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
22The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
23And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
24But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
25I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers.
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
26He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
27Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
28My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
29His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
30If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
31If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
32Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
33Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
34My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
35Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
36His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
37It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.
19-37. Then--when the covenant was established, of whose execution the exalted views of God now given furnish assurance.
thou ... to thy holy one--or godly saint, object of favor (Psa 4:3). Nathan is meant (2Sa 7:17; 1Ch 17:3-15).
laid help--literally, "given help." David was chosen and then exalted.
38But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed.
38-52. present a striking contrast to these glowing promises, in mournful evidences of a loss of God's favor.
cast off--and rejected (compare Psa 15:4; 43:2; 44:9).
39Thou hast made void the covenant of thy servant: thou hast profaned his crown by casting it to the ground.
38-52. present a striking contrast to these glowing promises, in mournful evidences of a loss of God's favor.
cast off--and rejected (compare Psa 15:4; 43:2; 44:9).
40Thou hast broken down all his hedges; thou hast brought his strong holds to ruin.
38-52. present a striking contrast to these glowing promises, in mournful evidences of a loss of God's favor.
cast off--and rejected (compare Psa 15:4; 43:2; 44:9).
41All that pass by the way spoil him: he is a reproach to his neighbours.
38-52. present a striking contrast to these glowing promises, in mournful evidences of a loss of God's favor.
cast off--and rejected (compare Psa 15:4; 43:2; 44:9).
42Thou hast set up the right hand of his adversaries; thou hast made all his enemies to rejoice.
38-52. present a striking contrast to these glowing promises, in mournful evidences of a loss of God's favor.
cast off--and rejected (compare Psa 15:4; 43:2; 44:9).
43Thou hast also turned the edge of his sword, and hast not made him to stand in the battle.
38-52. present a striking contrast to these glowing promises, in mournful evidences of a loss of God's favor.
cast off--and rejected (compare Psa 15:4; 43:2; 44:9).
44Thou hast made his glory to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground.
38-52. present a striking contrast to these glowing promises, in mournful evidences of a loss of God's favor.
cast off--and rejected (compare Psa 15:4; 43:2; 44:9).
45The days of his youth hast thou shortened: thou hast covered him with shame. Selah.
38-52. present a striking contrast to these glowing promises, in mournful evidences of a loss of God's favor.
cast off--and rejected (compare Psa 15:4; 43:2; 44:9).
46How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire?
38-52. present a striking contrast to these glowing promises, in mournful evidences of a loss of God's favor.
cast off--and rejected (compare Psa 15:4; 43:2; 44:9).
47Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?
38-52. present a striking contrast to these glowing promises, in mournful evidences of a loss of God's favor.
cast off--and rejected (compare Psa 15:4; 43:2; 44:9).
48What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.
38-52. present a striking contrast to these glowing promises, in mournful evidences of a loss of God's favor.
cast off--and rejected (compare Psa 15:4; 43:2; 44:9).
49Lord, where are thy former lovingkindnesses, which thou swarest unto David in thy truth?
38-52. present a striking contrast to these glowing promises, in mournful evidences of a loss of God's favor.
cast off--and rejected (compare Psa 15:4; 43:2; 44:9).
50Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; how I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty people;
38-52. present a striking contrast to these glowing promises, in mournful evidences of a loss of God's favor.
cast off--and rejected (compare Psa 15:4; 43:2; 44:9).
51Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.
38-52. present a striking contrast to these glowing promises, in mournful evidences of a loss of God's favor.
cast off--and rejected (compare Psa 15:4; 43:2; 44:9).
52Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.
38-52. present a striking contrast to these glowing promises, in mournful evidences of a loss of God's favor.
cast off--and rejected (compare Psa 15:4; 43:2; 44:9).