Psalm 89, Part 2: Will God Keep His Promises?

Yesterday we saw David extol the honor of God.

In the middle of Psalm 89, the theme changes and asks the question, Will God keep His promises? “Despite the surety of God’s promises and the pledge of His faithfulness, it seems that the covenant has been broken and that not good, but only evil, has come upon Israel and the Lord’s anointed. How is this? the psalmist inquires. What will be the outcome? Is God’s faithfulness failing?” It seems God has abandoned David (v. 38).

The crown has been lost to Absalom (v. 39).

David’s defenses have been destroyed (v. 40).

His subjects blame him (v. 41). Israel’s enemies are rejoicing at his apparent downfall (v. 42). The royal line is an embarrassment, and the kingdom’s success appears to be at an end (vv. 43–45). God seems displeased with His servant David, and the covenant between them appears broken. Here is a simple recitation of facts as David saw them.

Things could get no worse.

He knows he is but a weak human being and all things are under the power of the Almighty, but things are going desperately wrong.

David does not have a clue as to why or how long this state of affairs is going to last. Perhaps this is the new reality, and Absalom is to be the descendant through which the covenant will be fulfilled. How can this be? This disturbing situation is so wrong.

David argues, “Surely, God, You cannot have ordained things to happen the way they have turned out. Please, Lord, right these wrongs while there is yet time.” David is growing old, and the life span of man is short (v. 47); therefore, if God is to intervene, He must do so quickly. David has little time left to see things set right.

All men die, and no one can cheat death (v. 48).

Where is the promised loving-kindness (v. 49)? Will God permit the enemies of Israel to rejoice over the turmoil now occurring (v. 49)? “Like Moses . . . , the psalmist felt that the burdens of all his people rested upon him, and that he was no longer able to bear their weight.” “Like as a father, constant is He, / God in compassion regardeth our plea.”