This Psalm is the language of some faithful Jew, whether in Babylon of old, or among the Remnant in the latter day, who believes the promise made to David, but is grieved at its delay. Our Lord Jesus is the David, or David’s seed, here spoken of. (Comp. 2 Sam. 7:14, and Heb. 1:5; Psa. 132:11, and Acts 2:30; Isa. 4:3, and Acts 13:34.) The certainty that all shall be well in the end and forever is strongly expressed. The mercies of the Lord are “forever”—mercy is built up “forever”—the seed of David is established “forever”—and the like. This is the soul’s confidence and joy in all the covenanted, promised mercies to David, His throne, and His people. In spite of all appearances, it is the believer’s assurance that “the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” And we know that the resurrection of Christ has made David’s mercies “sure” (Acts 13).
The following may serve as a brief opening of this Psalm.
Psa. 89:1-18. The Jewish saint rejoices in Jehovah’s covenant with David, reciting it shortly in Psalm 89:3-4.
Psa. 89:19-37. He then recites it very fully. And very rich and blessed it is; and forms what is called in other words, “the sure mercies of David,” the ground of all Israel’s blessing.
Psa. 89:38-45. But with all this promised or covenanted blessing, he contrasts the present sorrows of David’s house and kingdom. And we may observe that the condition in the covenant (see Psa. 89:30-32) was the ground of this sorrow; though quite in character with his present thoughts, the Jew does not allude to this.
Psa. 89:46-51. He then expostulates and prays. “Reproached the footsteps,” in Psalm 89:51, seems to be in reference to the scorners, because the Lord tarries. (See Mal. 2:17; Peter 3:4.)
Psa. 89:52. He closes (we may suppose after a little pause), anticipating God’s grace, with praise; thus linking the end of his holy musing with the beginning.
In this Psalm we may observe the combining of mercy and faithfulness. Precious security for the poor sinner! as we read, “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” For our mercies are covenanted mercies—pledged, promised, undertaken, sealed, and, in a great sense, purchased mercies. Precious security! And from it we may observe that discipline is not forgetfulness, but rather the token of remembrance. David’s throne is for a season in the dust because of transgression, but it has not been forgotten. The enemy reproaches because of this. They proudly talk of the footsteps (Psa. 89:51), the delays, or lingerings of the anointed. They say, “Where is the promise of His coming?” But the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. The covenant is as full and fresh in God’s remembrance as it was in the days of David himself. And the Lord will appear to Israel’s joy, and their enemies shall be ashamed.
Let every tried believer know that discipline is not forgetfulness but remembrance. Nay, delay is not forgetfulness. “He that shall come will come”... “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness.”
Note—The third part in the Jewish division of the Psalms ends here.