Psalm 89 (88):26Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Beloved, comprehend this psalm that I aim to interpret through the grace of God, centered around our hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. Take heart, for He who has made promises will bring them to fruition, just as He has fulfilled many already. It is not by our own deeds that we gain confidence, but rather through His grace. The psalm is attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite, which lends it significant meaning. Ultimately, no one in this world possesses strength apart from the hope found in God's promises; in our own capacities, we are frail, but in His mercy, we find strength. The psalmist begins with a proclamation, "I will sing of Your mercies, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will declare Your faithfulness to all generations," (Psalms 88:1).

The psalmist asserts, "Let my members serve the Lord," indicating that his speaking is of divine origin. He acknowledges, "With my mouth I will declare Your truth,” emphasizing that failure to obey makes one unworthy of being His servant; to speak from oneself is deceitful. Speaking from God and speaking from oneself are distinctly different: one pertains to human perspective, the other to divine truth. Let us reflect on the faithfulness displayed and the graces extolled.

For You have declared, "Grace shall be established forever," (Psalm 87:2). This is my song; this truth I proclaim. You assert, "I do not build to destroy," for some are destroyed without restoration, while others, after destruction, are rebuilt. Without those destroyed to make way for rebuilding, Jeremiah would not have penned, “Behold, I have appointed you today over nations and kingdoms to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant,” (Jeremiah 1:10). All who once worshipped idols and stone were unable to find stability in Christ without perishing due to their former errors. If some had not been destroyed to prevent rebuilding, it would not have been written, "He will destroy them and not build them up."

The words of mercy and faithfulness are intertwined: "For You have said, 'Mercy shall be established forever; Your truth will be established in the heavens,'" for mercy and truth are complementary in the ways of the Lord. Without mercy to forgive sins, the truth in fulfilling promises could not shine forth. Many promises were made in prophecy to the people of Israel, who descended from Abraham; this multitude served as the instrument through which God's promises would be fulfilled. Yet, God did not close the fountain of His goodness to the Gentiles, whom He positioned under the authority of angels while keeping Israel as His treasured people. The apostle explicitly refers to the mercy and truth of the Lord, addressing both.

He identifies Christ as the minister to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs (Romans 15:8). Observe that God has not deceived nor rejected His chosen people. In discussing the fall of the Jews, the apostle reassures that they are not irretrievably cast aside, asserting, “God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew,” for I too am an Israelite (Romans 11:1-2). If such a multitude resembles thorns, what of the wheat? The truth of God manifests in those Israelites who believe, thus forming the first wall of circumcision, which connects to the cornerstone. This cornerstone's existence necessitates the addition of a second wall, representing the grace of God.

The apostle also states that Jesus Christ serves as the minister of circumcision for the truth of God, confirming the promise made to the fathers and enabling the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy (Romans 15:8-9). It is rightly declared, "Your truth shall be established in the heavens," for all the apostles, who were called from among the Israelites, are likened to the heavens, declaring the glory of God, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork,” emphasizing that though they departed before the Church spread globally, their words reached to the world's ends, fulfilling the establishment of Your truth in the heavens.

You have stated, “I have made a covenant with My chosen one,” (Psalm 88:3). What covenant can this be but the new covenant through which we are renewed for a new inheritance, expressed through our longing and love, singing a new song? "I have made a covenant with My chosen; I have sworn to David My servant." How confidently he speaks, one who grasps the truth! He declares boldly, for God’s word fosters courage; if God's promise instills fearlessness, how much more will His oath! The assurance of God’s oath guarantees the promise’s realization. While man is rightly cautioned against swearing (Matthew 5:34), lest the habit lead to deception and perjury, God alone swears securely, being inherently infallible.

Let us discern what God has sworn: "I have sworn to David My servant; I will establish your descendants forever," (Psalm 87:4). The seed of David is the seed of Abraham, for “to your seed, who is Christ,” (Galatians 3:16). Christ, the Head of the Church, and the Savior of the body (Ephesians 5:23) is indeed the seed of David and Abraham. But are we not also descendants of Abraham? Certainly, as the apostle claims, “If you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise,” (Galatians 3:29). Thus, we may comprehend the words, "I will establish your seed forever," not only in reference to Christ's flesh born of the Virgin Mary, but also through all who believe in Him, as we are members of this Head.

This body cannot be severed from the Head; with the Head's eternal glory, so too are the members. Hence, Christ remains whole forever. "I will establish your seed forever, and I will establish your throne from generation to generation." The term "forever" implies continuity through lineage, echoing the psalmist's declaration, "With my mouth, I will always show Your truth to generation and generation." What constitutes generation and generation? Every generation is signified; the repetition draws attention to the passage of many generations, perhaps indicating two distinct generations as I have previously explained.

Currently, there exists a generation of flesh and blood; a future generation will emerge in the resurrection of the dead. Christ is proclaimed now for belief and will be revealed later for sight. "I will establish your throne from generation to generation." Christ presently reigns within us; His throne must be established within if He is to govern us. Without His governance, we would fall into ruin. Thus, He reigns in us while waiting for another generation that will arise from the resurrection of the dead. Christ will reign over His Saints eternally. God has promised it; He has declared it, and if that is not compelling, He has sworn it.

Therefore, as the promise stands firm—not through our merit, but through His compassion—let none fear to proclaim the truth they cannot doubt. Let this strength embolden our hearts, just as Ethan’s name suggests, strong in spirit; let us proclaim the truth of God, His declarations, His promises, and His oath. Empowered by these truths, let us glorify God and, by carrying Him with us, become vessels of Heaven.

"O Lord, even the heavens will declare Your marvelous works," (Psalm 88:5). It is not their own merits that Heaven praises, but Your marvelous works, O Lord. In every act of mercy to the lost and justification for the unjust, we extol nothing but the magnificent works of God. You praise Him for raising the dead; praise Him even more for redeeming the lost. What grace and mercy are shown! Witness a man who was once engulfed in drunkenness transformed into an exemplar of sobriety; one who lived in excess now embodied temperance; yesterday a blasphemer, now a worshipper; yesterday a slave to sin, today a servant of the Creator. In these conversions, let people not rest on their merits but become akin to Heaven and honor the wondrous works of Him who transforms them.

“Who among the clouds is comparable to You, O Lord?” (Psalm 88:6). Will it be Heaven's praise or its rain? Are preachers assured that none among the clouds matches the Lord? While this could be read literally, we must consider that stars, the sun, the moon, angels, and all of Heaven cannot be compared to the Lord. Why does he claim that there is none among the clouds? We must interpret this as clouds representing those who proclaim the truth—prophets and apostles who declare God’s word.

If the clouds serve as heralds of truth, let us first understand why they are named so. The same individuals embody both heaven and cloud: heaven reflects the clarity of truth, while clouds denote the obscurities of the flesh. All clouds bear the veil of mortality and are transient. The apostle has stated, "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness," (1 Corinthians 4:5). You perceive what a person says, but the content of their heart is unseen; you observe what spills forth from the cloud, while the essence behind it remains concealed. For whose eyes penetrate the cloud?

Thus, clouds serve as flesh-bound proclaimers of truth. The Creator Himself came in flesh; we are called clouds due to the flesh, and we preach truth through the rain that pours from the clouds. Yet, our flesh originates from one route, while His is set apart. We are also termed sons of God, but He is the Son of God in a different light. His cloud emerged from the Virgin Mary; He is the Son from eternity, consubstantial with the Father. Who among the clouds can equate to the Lord? Who among the sons of God parallels Him? Let the Lord declare if He finds anyone like Himself. What do the people call Me, the Son of Man? Because I appear, because I am present among you, perhaps I have become too common; question them, "Whom do men call Me, the Son of Man?" When they encounter the Son of Man, they see a cloud, yet inquire, "Who do men believe I am?"

In their responses, they relay public sentiment: "Some say You're John the Baptist, some Elijah, others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." Many clouds and sons of God are mentioned here; Jeremiah, Elijah, and John are included because they lived righteously and, as sons of God, embodied the role of divine proclaimers, termed clouds. "You have inquired who these clouds depict; ask me, 'Whom do you say I am?'" Peter, representing all, confidently replies, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," (Matthew 16:13-16). Not as those sons of God who cannot be equal to You; You descended in flesh, not as clouds, lacking equality.

"God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the righteous, and to be feared by all around Him," (Psalm 88:7). God is omnipresent; therefore, who is near Him if He is everywhere? To suppose He is confined would imply finitude, yet truly, His greatness knows no bounds. He chose a place to be born in flesh, dwell among a people, be crucified, rise again, and ascend to Heaven. While He performed these works, Gentiles surrounded Him. If He had remained in one location, He would not possess greatness nor invoke fear among His followers; instead, by preaching broadly and commissioning messengers across all nations, He magnified His presence and instilled reverence among all.

"O Lord God of hosts, who is like You? Your truth, Almighty God, surrounds us," (Psalm 88:8). Vast is Your power; You fashioned heaven and earth and all therein. Yet, Your mercy stands greater, revealing Your truth to all. Had Your message been declared solely where You chose to be incarnate, suffer, rise, and ascend, that promise to confirm the promises given to the fathers would sufficently fulfill. However, the promise that Gentiles would glorify God for His mercy (Romans 15:9) could not be realized without spreading this truth to all who could hear.

He will place His hand upon the ocean. As mentioned earlier, "upon the sea" refers to the western lands, while "rivers" signifies the regions situated between them, or the eastern areas. Thus, it is indicated that His dominion shall reach throughout creation. His right hand is over the rivers. The hand of Christ rests upon the ocean, and His right hand is over the rivers. Yet if He chooses, the ocean can transform into a river, and the river, if it continues to flow from its depths, will turn into a sea of living water.

My faithfulness and mercy will accompany him, and in My name he will be exalted. I will place his hand over the sea and set his right hand upon the rivers (Psalms 88:25-26), symbolizing dominion over the foundations and forces of creation.

Christ did not occupy the same throne as Jehoiakim from the lineage of David; indeed, only Christ, the true descendant of David, is qualified to reign upon that throne since it is solely in Him that His lineage persists eternally, as the Lord revealed, ‘I once swore by My holiness, shall I lie to David? His seed shall endure forever, and his throne is as the sun before Me (Psalm 88:36-37). Who is referenced here? Certainly not Solomon, Rehoboam, or Nathan, but rather He of whom it can truly be declared, ‘I will put His hand upon the sea, and His right hand upon the rivers. He shall call to Me, Thou art My Father (Psalm 88:26), and I will establish His lineage forever, and His throne shall be as enduring as the heavens (Psalm 88:30).

He shall have authority over both the sea and the earth; for the Prophet indicated the land through the term rivers.

Through the designation of the sea, He indicated the islands as being situated on the water; by referring to the rivers, He pointed to the dry land, for they exist on solid ground. Likewise, through the terms "hand" and "right hand," He signified authority and sovereignty. But where does David demonstrate dominion over all things? Nowhere in the scriptures can this be found. Christ, on the other hand, encompasses both the sea and the earth, as stated in Psalm 71, and will extend His dominion from the seas and rivers to the very ends of creation. Therefore, the reference to the hand and the right hand should not be interpreted as pertaining to David, but rather to that which is attributed to the Horn of David, that is, to the Lord Christ.

The sea symbolizes baptism, as indicated in the scripture where it is stated, “I will remove him that cometh from the north from you, and will cast him out into a land without water and void, his host into the sea of the east” (Joel 2:20). The rivers represent the gifts of the Holy Spirit, illustrated by Christ’s declaration, “Whosoever believeth on Me, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). The Evangelist further clarifies this by adding, “These things He said of the Spirit, whom they that believe in Him had received” (John 7:39). Thus, this is where our hand and right hand are, and it is from this place that we draw strength.

The elder additionally referenced the words found in the Psalm: ‘I will put His hand upon the sea, and His right hand upon the rivers,’ which pertain to the Saviour. His hand on the sea symbolizes the world, while His right hand upon the rivers represents the Apostles, who spread faith throughout the earth. Of prudence,

In these statements, God assures that His compassion, which He initially demonstrated to David, will persist without interruption. This promise serves to illustrate His unwavering faithfulness and the certainty that He fulfills His commitments. We observe that God not only granted David numerous instances of His mercy at the outset but also maintained that mercy eternally. The phrase "the horn of David" refers, as it often does in other contexts, to honor, majesty, and power; this signifies that David's kingdom, by divine favor, will remain flourishing, steadfast, and magnificent.