Psalm 89:1–18: King Yahweh and the Davidic Covenant (part 1)

 Psalm 89 Part 1: A Hymn of Yahweh’s Kingship (vs. 1–18)

This psalm is royal psalm by the choir of Ethan the Ezrahite. also called Jeduthun, who was a Levitical worship singer as well as a prophetic seer and a counselor to King David (1 Chr 16:41–42, 25:1–6; 2 Chr 5:12, 35:15). Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun were responsible for the music around the tabernacle and later in the temple, and each man directed a separate choir. This royal psalm’s first section is that of a hymn to Yahweh for His faithfulness (1–18). The second section is a review of the oracle and promises of the covenant with David (19–37). The third section is a lament over the current sad state (to the writer) of the Davidic dynasty (38–51). See 2 Sam 7:4–17 for the prophecy on which this psalm is reflecting.

  I. Praising Yahweh for who He is and what He has done (vs. 1–4)

      A. What is important for us to remember in stating what God is really like? 

            1. Yahweh has a covenantal love (hesed) for His people

            2. Yahweh is faithful to His promises (requires creativity and sovereignty)

            3. Yahweh as creator and ruler has the power to keep His word

      B. Yahweh has a established a covenant relationship with David

   1. a covenant (berit) can be defined as a solemn and lasting agreement that governs a     relationship and makes that relationship more intimate and permanent. Covenants often                     have long-lasting promises that are granted based on compliance to the covenantal stipulations.        The participants may be individuals, groups, or a representative for a group. However, the covenantal promises and how they relate to individuals, to certain generations, and to the nation of Israel during her entire history and her promised future are not identical. God in His grace will not allow an individual to make the covenant void for anyone but himself. There are unconditional promises that will be kept by David’s faithful God in spite of his descendants' failure to comply with the covenantal stipulations. This is also true for ethnic Israel.

           2. The Davidic Covenant has promises that were partially fulfilled by Solomon, and others                 that have been or are being fulfilled by David’s descendant Yeshua (Jesus).

           3. There is a continuity among the covenants Between Yahweh and Adam, Noah,                                 Abraham, Israel, Levi, David, and the new covenant

      C. Note the words “covenant love” (hesed), “faithfulness,” and “forever” in this psalm

      D. David is Yahweh’s servant, vassal, representative to the people

 II. King Yahweh’s majestic reign in Heaven (vs. 5–8)

      A. The angels declare the awesomeness of Yahweh 

      B. Then angels note His supernatural actions (wonders) and His faithfulness

      C. The angels note Yahweh’s sovereignty over their armies

      D. Humans thing angels are majestic, but how much more is the creator of angels

      E. This awesome, powerful, sovereign, loving, faithful God made a covenant with David

      F. This awesome God is to be praised and obeyed on earth as in heaven

III. King Yahweh’s sovereign reign on earth (vs. 9–13)

      A. Yahweh reigns over the sea, not the idols of fools

      B. Yahweh defeated Egypt with the 10 plagues and at the Red Sea

      C. Yahweh’s power is unlimited in creation and salvation  

           1. Mt Hermon, in North is 9,000 feet high and produces the water for Israel

           2. Mt. Tabor in Galilee is 1,900 feet high is the highest point in that region

      D. All creation acknowledges God power, strength, awesomeness, and authority

      E. Nothing is impossible for God, even resurrecting spiritually dead sinners

IV. King Yahweh’s character and earthly worship (vs. 14–18)

      A. Yahweh is wise, loving, and righteous in His rule

      B. Yahweh’s worshipers find true joy as they glorify Him

      C. Yahweh’s subjects are blessed

      D. Yahweh’s people enjoy His holy presence

      D. Yahweh will exalt the Davidic dynasty (horn)

      E. Yahweh defends and protects His people

      F. Yahweh is the Holy One of Israel

Lessons to live by:

• It is a tremendous privilege to be in a new covenant relationship with the faithful God of the Bible

• We need to praise God for who He is as well as for what He has done

• God’s covenant love is a special selecting and elevating love. God is so sovereign and wise, that He is able to keep the promise to the group unconditionally, while allowing individuals in that group to exclude themselves by sin and rebellion

• God’s creative power is demonstrated continually in creation

• God inhabits the corporate praise of His people. It is very important to gather at the appointed times

• Man’s main purpose in life is to glorify our creator and redeemer

• Surrendering to the God of the Bible produces joy and blessings

• If God is for you, who can be against you?