Psalm 89 (88):14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Beloved, as I delve into this psalm by the grace of God, let us reflect on our hope in the Lord Jesus Christ and take heart, for He who has made promises will bring them to fruition, just as He has done before. Our confidence stems not from our own merits but from His grace. The title of this psalm is attributed to Ethan the Israelite. Consider the strength behind this name; no one in this world possesses true strength apart from hope in God's promises. While we are weak in our own capabilities, we find our strength in His mercy. Thus, the psalmist begins with, "I will sing of Thy mercies, O Lord, for ever; with my mouth I will proclaim Thy truth to all generations," Psalms 88:1.

He expresses his desire for his being to serve the Lord, asserting that his speech conveys the truth of God. To speak on one's own is the voice of a deceiver; however, to speak from God’s truth is a different matter entirely. Let us contemplate the faithfulness he demonstrates and the graces he articulates. "For Thou hast said: ‘Grace shall be established for ever,’" Psalm 87:2. This is the truth I sing of, and with my mouth, I declare Thy faithfulness. You affirm, "I build not to destroy," as some are destroyed without restoration while others are rebuilt after being destroyed. If there weren't those who were destroyed only to be rebuilt, Jeremiah would not have recorded, "Behold, I have appointed you today to uproot and to plant," Jeremiah 1:10. Indeed, those who worshipped idols and stones could not find their place in Christ without perishing due to their earlier error. If there had not been those destroyed for their eventual rebuilding, the scripture would not declare, "He will destroy them, and not rebuild them."

He skillfully intertwines the concepts of mercy and faithfulness; "For Thou hast declared, Mercy shall be established for ever: Thy truth shall be established in the heavens," where mercy and truth coexist—"for all the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth." The manifestation of truth in fulfilling promises is predicated upon mercy’s provision of forgiveness. Furthermore, many prophecies spoken to the descendants of Abraham were fulfilled in the people of Israel. Yet, God did not close His fountain of goodness to the Gentiles, who He placed under the authority of angels while preserving Israel as His chosen people. The apostle specifically references the mercy and truth of the Lord, directing this towards both groups. He identifies Christ as the minister of the circumcision, affirming the truth of God to uphold the promises made to the ancestors, Romans 15:8. Look at how God has remained faithful; He has not cast aside His people whom He foreknew. The apostle discusses the downfall of the Jews, clarifying that this does not imply they denied God to the extent that nothing salvific could emerge among them. He emphasizes that God has not abandoned His foreknown people, and he himself is included in this Israelite lineage, Romans 11:1-2. If the entire populace was likened to thorns, what does that say about the wheat? The truth of God is accomplished in those Israelites who held onto their faith, building a strong relationship confirmed by Christ, the cornerstone. Yet, this cornerstone was not complete without the inclusion of the Gentiles. The first wall is representative of truth, while the second signifies divine grace. The apostle rightly states that Jesus Christ was the minister of circumcision for God’s truth, to affirm the promises made to the fathers, thus enabling the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy, Romans 15:8-9.

Consequently, it is accurately observed: "Thy truth Thou shalt establish in the heavens." The apostles, summoned to spread the word, became as the heavens, declaring God's glory, as referenced, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork." Their messages reached to the far ends of the earth, affirming that God will declare His truth in the heavens.

"You have declared: ‘I have made a covenant with My chosen,’" Psalm 88:3. This new covenant renews us for a fresh inheritance, inspiring us to sing a new song. The psalmist confesses, "I have made a covenant with my elect; I have sworn to David my servant." He speaks so confidently, for he understands, and his lips serve the truth! Speaking boldly, he depends on God's promises. The reason to be steadfast lies in the assurance of God's word. While humanity is cautioned against swearing, Matthew 5:34, to avoid falling into perjury, God alone swears securely, as He is infallible.

Let us examine what God has sworn. "I have sworn to David my servant; I will establish your seed for ever," Psalm 87:4. The seed of David is the seed of Abraham, and Paul states that "to thy seed, which is Christ," Galatians 3:16. Could it be that Christ, the Head of the Church and the Saviour of His body, Ephesians 5:23, is the very seed of Abraham and David? We, too, possess that lineage, as the apostle writes, "But if you are Christ's, you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise," Galatians 3:29. Thus, we can comprehend the words, "I will establish your seed for ever" not only through Christ’s physical lineage from the Virgin Mary but us as believers in Christ as well. We are members of this Head, and a body cannot be severed from its Head. If the Head abides in glory for eternity, then so shall the members, thus maintaining the wholeness of Christ for all time. "I will establish your seed for ever, and I will establish your throne for generations to come." The term 'forever' is appropriate as it alludes to lineage and kinship; as previously stated, "With my mouth I will proclaim Thy truth to generations." What does "generation and generation" refer to? To all generations, for it is not merely a matter of repeating words, but of acknowledging the coming and going of numerous generations. The multiplicity of generations is underscored by repetition, indicating perhaps the existence of two distinct generations: the present flesh and blood generation, and a future one in the resurrection. Christ is proclaimed here, and at that time, He will be embraced fully in sight. "I will establish Thy throne from generation to generation." Christ currently reigns within us, and if He were not on His throne inside us, we would not submit to His rule, and without His rule, we would be cast down. He reigns over us, and likewise He will preside in the resurrection. Christ shall reign eternally over His saints; this promise is from God, and He has sworn it. Therefore, as this promise carries credibility—not because of our merits but due to His divine mercy—no one should hesitate to proclaim what cannot be doubted. May this strength fill our hearts, as suggested by the name Ethan, meaning 'strong in heart’; let us declare the truth of God, His promises, His oath. Empowered by these certainties, let us glorify God and, carrying Him within us, become as the heavens.

"Lord, the heavens will praise Thy marvelous works," Psalm 88:5. It is not the merits of the heavens that they extol but rather Thy wondrous deeds, O Lord. In every act of mercy shown to the lost, in justifying the unjust, what do we celebrate if not the remarkable works of God? Praise Him, not only for raising the dead, but even more so for redeeming the lost. How astounding is the grace and mercy of God! Consider a man one day engulfed in drunkenness, now transformed into a model of sobriety; a man once shrouded in luxury now exemplifying temperance; a blasphemer of God who now praises Him; a servant of creation, turned into a worshipper of the Creator. From these desperate conditions, men undergo conversion; let them abstain from leaning on their own merits; let them rise as heavens to proclaim the magnificent works of the One who fashioned them as such.

"For who among the clouds can be compared with You, O Lord?" Psalm 88:6. Will the praises of heaven compare to their rain? Do preachers truly believe that no one among the clouds is on par with the Lord? Is it not a lifted praise that indicates the clouds cannot be compared to their Creator? If we interpret the scripture literally rather than mystically, the stars above the clouds cannot compete with the Lord. Can the sun, moon, angels, or any heavenly bodies be compared to Him? When the scripture speaks of "who is He among the clouds," it casts high praise. Let us recognize, dear friends, that these "clouds," like the heavens, serve as proclaimers of truth—prophets, apostles, and heralds of God's word.

If the clouds serve as messengers of truth, why are they called clouds? They symbolize the same beings; the heavens shine with the light of truth, whereas the clouds are shadowed by the limitations of the flesh—dull because of mortality and transient. The apostle states, "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who shall reveal the hidden things of darkness," 1 Corinthians 4:5. While we perceive what one proclaims, the heart's secret remains unseen; thus we witness what emerges from the cloud, but not what is held within. Who can see through the clouds? These clouds symbolize truth proclaimers in flesh. The Creator of all came in flesh... We are called clouds due to our bodily nature, bringing forth the rain that delivers truth; however, our flesh comes through one means, while His came through another. We too are referred to as sons of God, yet He is the Son of God in a unique manner. His flesh came from the Virgin, and He is the eternal Son, consubstantial with the Father. Who among the clouds can be compared with the Lord? Who among the sons of God is like Him? Let the Lord declare whether He finds anyone comparable to Himself. When asked, "Who do men say that I am, the Son of Man?" it is because I appear, I am visible, I walk among you. People may call him the Son of Man, yet in the truest sense, see that they call Him "the Son of God." They reference others, likening Him to John the Baptist, or to Elijah, or even to Jeremiah, capturing the likeness of many clouds and sons of God. Jeremiah, Elijah, and John, righteous and holy, are labeled sons of God due to their ministry, thus becoming clouds carrying God's message. The question is posed: in what form do people perceive Me? Yet, Peter replies, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God," Matthew 16:13-16, identifying Him not as any son, lesser than the infinite Son of God who came in flesh, but as the preeminent one.

"God is greatly to be feared in the council of the righteous, and feared by all who surround Him," Psalm 88:7. God is omnipresent. Who, then, is truly in His presence? If one were around Him, it would imply limitations to His limitless nature. If it can be rightfully said of God, it signifies that His greatness knows no bounds; yet, who exists beside Him except the One who chose to incarnate in a singular location, living among a particular people, crucified in one place, rising in one place, and ascending to heaven. There, God had Gentiles around Him. Had He remained where these miracles occurred, His greatness would not be displayed, nor would He become the object of reverence. However, because His teachings spread and sent missionaries through all nations, performing miracles, He is now exalted, instilling awe among all.

Your strength is evident. O Lord, Your power is made clear to all. Although He took on human form and shared in our likeness, the greatness of His glory was revealed. This is reflected in the words, "Thy arm shall be strengthened, and Thy right hand shall be exalted."

Thy strength with authority It is inherent to Thee to perform mightily in every aspect; for the Prophet employed the term strength in place of action, and the term authority in lieu of power. Aquila similarly rendered it as with authority instead of dominion. Thy hand shall be fortified, and Thy right hand shall be lifted high. Symmachus expressed it this way: invincible is Thy arm, exalted is Thy right hand. We have often indicated that when the Prophet refers to the hand, he signifies action, and when he speaks of the right hand, he refers to righteous action. Thus, those who earnestly pray and require significant intervention invoke both, yearning to witness their foes vanquished while seeking their own salvation. Hence, they declare the arm invincible and the right hand exalted, for it possesses the power to both punish the wicked and to deliver the faithful. Such themes are also evident in the ensuing words.

O Lord, Your might is unparalleled; for it is through the strength of God that His power is revealed, which is Christ: as it is written, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24). He petitions that Your hand be fortified against Your adversaries, asking for Your right hand to be raised in protection over us; here, hand and right hand symbolize the might of God. David seeks a divine action that brings both correction and grace, designed to repel foes and shielding his own and allies, as noted by Theodoret. In Psalm 9 (Psalms 9:33), we see the plea, Arise, O Lord my God, and let Your hand be lifted up, which signifies the elevation of God's hand.

With what strength? With the strength of the cross, for as Paul instructs us, “the word of the cross is a foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18). What is this strength? It is our transformation from error, brought about by the Son, the might of the Father, through the cross. This is further illustrated by the words, “Thy arm shall be strong and Thy right hand high.” This strength is not to be understood as something that was lacking and then received, for it was already present; rather, it is meant to manifest clearly when the sacrament was fulfilled, as Christ Himself predicted, stating: “when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all to myself” (John 12:32).

In this passage, the authority of God is demonstrated through the act of creation, from which it follows that He oversees all aspects of existence both in the heavens and on the earth. It would be illogical for the cosmos, formed by God's will, to operate randomly, nor for the earth to be governed solely by human desires. It is uniquely God's role to sustain and direct all that He has created, preventing us from falling into the error of assuming, alongside the unrighteous, that He passively observes the grandeur of His creation from above. By referencing the north, midday, Mount Tabor, and Mount Hermon, the writer conveys a message that resonates with ordinary people, indicating that every part of the world acknowledges and venerates its Creator. The Hebrew text expresses these sentiments as: "Thy hand shall be strong, and Thy right hand shall be exalted."