Chapter 89

89:1  I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

Maschil

Maschil, instruction.

89:27  Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

higher than the kings of the earth

The eighty-ninth Psalm is at once the confirmation and exposition of the Davidic Covenant 2 Samuel 7:9-14 . That the covenant itself looks far beyond David and Solomon is sure from Psalms 89:27 . "Higher than the kings of the earth" can only refer to Immanuel. ; Isaiah 7:13-15 ; Isaiah 9:6 Isaiah 9:7 ; Micah 5:2 .

The Psalm is in four parts:

(1) The covenant, though springing from the lovingkindness of Jehovah, yet rests upon His oath (vs. 1-4).

(2) Jehovah is glorified for His power and goodness in connection with the covenant (vs 5-18).

(3) The response of Jehovah (vs. 19-37). This is in two parts:

(a), it confirms the covenant ( Psalms 89:19-29 ), but (b), warns that disobedience in the royal posterity of David will be punished with chastening ( Psalms 89:30-32 ). Historically this chastening began in the division of the Davidic kingdom ; 1 Kings 11:26-36 ; 12:16-20 and culminated in the captivities and that subordination of Israel to the Gentiles which still continues. See "Gentiles, times of" ; Luke 21:24 ; Revelation 16:14 .

(4) The plea of the Remnant Isaiah 1:9 ; Romans 11:5 who urge the severity and long continuance of the chastening ( Psalms 89:38-52 ).

See Psalm 102., next in order of the Messianic Psalms.

89:48  What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.

grave

Heb. "Sheol," (See Scofield "Habakkuk 2:5") .