Psalm 89

Introduction

Psalm 89 represents a theological reflection on God’s covenant with David and its practical implications for the Davidic dynasty and the nation in light of current circumstances (2 Sam. 7:4–29; 1 Chron. 17:1–27; cf. 2 Sam. 23:5; 2 Chron. 13:5; 21:7; Isa. 55:3; Jer. 33:17–26).

It is one of the longest psalms in the Psalter. At 52 verses, it is exceeded in length only by Pss. 78 (72 vss.) and 119 (176 vss.).

It is a “royal psalm,” in that it deals specifically with the relationship between Yahweh—the heavenly king—and his earthly proxy, the Davidic king (cf. Pss. 2; 20–21; 45; 72; 89; 101; 132; 144).

Psalm 89 sits at an important “seam” in the Psalter, concluding Book III. This is a role played by royal psalms at several crucial points in the arrangement of the Psalter:

Book I (Pss. 2–41): while Psalm 1 seems to serve as an introduction to the entire Psalter, Psalm 2 introduces themes related to the Davidic covenant, including his divine institution, authority of foreign nations, and son-like relationship with Yahweh.