Psalm 89

Psalm 89 is the 89th psalm in the biblical Book of Psalms, part of the Hebrew Bible. In the Greek Septuagint version of the bible, and in its Latin translation in the Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 88 in a slightly different numbering system.

This article uses the Hebrew (Masoretic) Psalms numbering. Psalm 89 in Septuagint/Vulgate numbering would correspond to Psalm 90 in Hebrew numbering.

Analysis

It is a Psalm and Maschil.[1]

The superscription of this Psalm claims that it was written by Ethan, the Ezrahite. Ethan the Ezrahite, along with Heman the Ezrahite (the author of the preceding Psalm, Psalm 88), was a wise man from the time of, or prior to Solomon. 1 Kings 4:31 states, concerning King Solomon, "For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations" (ESV).

In 2 Samuel 7:12-17, God promised King David that there would always be a king of the Jews. Some scholars claim that this psalm was written after the deportation of the Jews to Babylon.[2], however this is inconsistent with the dating of Ethan during the time of Solomon. More likely is that it was written on behalf of the king (David or Solomon) during a time of trouble. In it, he expresses a belief that despite what he sees, he has faith that the promises described in 2 Samuel 7:12-17, will still be fulfilled.

Psalm 89 begins with words of praise for Yahweh's goodness and covenant faithfulness. It recounts the promises made to King David, and the covenant which God had established with him, for the first 37 verses; from verse 38 to 51, the Psalmist laments what seemed like God's lack of remembrance of his covenant promises. But finally, in the 52nd and closing verse of the Psalm, the Psalmist's tone changes once again, when he proclaims, "Blessed be the LORD forever! Amen and Amen" (ESV). With these words, the third book of the Psalter is closed.

Uses

Judaism
  • Is recited during Selichot in some traditions.[3]
  • Verse 53 is the first verse of Baruch Hashem L'Olam in Pesukei Dezimra[4] and Baruch Hashem L'Olam after the Shema in weekday Maariv.[5]
  • Verses 16-18 are recited following the Shofar blowing on Rosh Hashanah.[6]

In the Jewish arrangement it closes the third book of the Psalms.[1]

New Testament

Protestant

Spurgeon called it a Covenant Psalm saw it as the utterance of a believer.[1]

See also

References
  1. Charles H. Spurgeon, Psalm 89 in "Treasury of David" Archived 2015-11-28 at the Wayback Machine
  2. Gordon Churchyard, Psalm 89 at Make Your Kingdom Come Soon!
  3. The Artscroll Tehillim page 329
  4. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 74
  5. The Complete Artscroll Siddur page 264
  6. The Complete Artscroll Machzor for Rosh Hashanah page 439
  7. Kirkpatrick, A. F. (1901). The Book of Psalms: with Introduction and Notes. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges. Book IV and V: Psalms XC-CL. Cambridge: At the University Press. p. 839. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  • Psalm 89 in Hebrew and English - Mechon-mamre
  • Psalm 89 King James Bible - Wikisource
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