Psalm 89

Psalm 89 is the third longest psalm, after Psalm 119 and Psalm 78. Its length and its contemplative pondering of the promise to David are reminders that the world had to wait a long time for that promise to be fulfilled.

In the new lectionary, Psalm 89 is recommended for use on this coming Sunday: Year A – Advent 4. Psalm 89 is very appropriate during this season of waiting.

Listen to Psalm 89 and be reminded that you will forever sing the goodness of the LORD…

Psalm 89 is in a key place in the Psalter; it is the last psalm of Book III. Book III ends with the people of Israel in exile in Babylon. David’s crown and throne are in the dust. How long, O LORD? Remember, O LORD!

Psalm 89 is about God’s love and faithfulness. Those words occur 14 times in the psalm. The LORD’s promises to King David in 2 Samuel 7 were rooted in his love and faithfulness. His promises could not fail. It was not a matter of if he would keep his promises, but a matter of when.

How glorious the announcement of the angel to Mary! This announcement is even more amazing when we remember how long the world waited for it and how little the world deserved it.

“Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1).

Because the faithfulness of the LORD is established in heaven itself, the promise to David had to be fulfilled. The Son of God had to take on human flesh and live among us as the Son of David. The Messiah had to suffer and die for the sins of the world. He had to rise from the dead and establish the throne of his father David forever.

Because the faithfulness of the LORD is established in heaven itself, Jesus’ promise to come again has to be fulfilled. Singing Psalm 89 reminds us that it is not a matter of if, but of when.

God fill you with this hope as you ponder and proclaim the goodness of the LORD.


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