THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This psalm is known as "The Prayer of Moses, the servant of God," through whom the Lord delivered His commandments to His people, freed them from bondage, and guided them through the wilderness for forty years. Thus, Moses served as a minister of the Old Covenant and a prophet of the New. The Apostle states that these occurrences serve as examples and are recorded for our learning, as we find ourselves at the conclusion of the ages (1 Corinthians 10:11). Therefore, in reflection on the honor bestowed upon Moses, this psalm warrants our study, as it derives its title from its prayerful nature.
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The psalmist begins, saying, "O Lord, thou hast been our refuge from generation to generation" (Psalm 89:1). This indicates either throughout every generation or specifically across the old and new generations, since he was the Servant under the Covenant of the former and the Prophet under the Covenant of the latter. Jesus, the Surety of that Covenant, and the Bridegroom in the relationship formed during that time, states, “If ye had believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me” (John 5:46). It should not be assumed that this psalm is wholly attributed to Moses, as it lacks the unique expressions found in his compositions; rather, the name of this great servant of God is invoked to direct the focus of the reader or listener.
He proclaims, "Thou hast been our refuge from generation to generation" (Psalm 89:1), affirming the nature of God as our refuge, one that He became for us—not in a way that implies He did not exist prior to this, but rather indicating that "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God" (Psalm 89:2). God is eternal, existing before all creation and before us; He has been our refuge since we turned to Him. The phrase “before the mountains” suggests significance; mountains symbolize the highest points of the earth. If God existed prior to the formation of the earth, there is no necessity to claim He was before the mountains alone. Rather, He existed before all created beings—both heavenly and earthly.
It is conceivable that all of creation is marked by this distinction, where angels are likened to mountains, denoting their exalted status, while humanity is signified by the lowliness represented by the earth. Accordingly, while it may be inaccurately stated that all things are either created or made, there is truth that angels are indeed created by His word. He speaks, and they are created; He commands, and they come to be. The earth, however, was created as the medium through which humans would take form, as stated in Scripture: "God created man out of the dust of the ground" (Genesis 2:7). The most noble aspects of creation were brought forth even before the earth, so that mankind may worship God here.
Since all things in the physical realm are transient, the psalmist captures the concept that eternity far outweighs any temporal measure. A thousand years appear to the Lord as just yesterday, implying that we should seek refuge in Him, unchanging amidst the fleeting nature of our circumstances. While a millennium may seem expansive to us, from God's perspective it is mere passage behind, prompting the Apostle to encourage us to strive for what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13) in the eternal realm and to forget the transient earthly matters.
The psalmist continues, capturing the brevity of human life, stating, "For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past" (Psalm 89:4). He emphasizes the need to turn to God's refuge, where He remains unaltered, as time constantly shifts around us.
Moreover, the man of God articulates a profound truth regarding the nature of life's tribulations: "Their years are as a fleeting thought; like grass, let them wither in the morning’s light" (Psalm 89:5). This serves as a reflection on the frailty of human existence, capturing Moses' lament that life's hardships serve a sacred purpose in understanding our mortality. Our days seem as fleeting as the spider's web, vanishing quickly.
By acknowledging our weaknesses, the psalmist confesses, "For we are consumed by Thy anger, and by Thy wrath are we troubled" (Psalm 89:7), pointing to the humility that comes from understanding our fragile state before the Almighty. The disciplines to which we are subject are infused with mercy—the chastisements that shape us towards holiness, seen in God's loving correction.
Ultimately, the psalmist expresses a yearning for divine favor, asking, "How long, O Lord, will You hide Your face?" (Psalm 89:13). This longing echoes the heart of those who endure suffering—the cry for God's presence even amid trials. Thus, we see God's servants as His creations, called to good works prepared for us in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:10).
With Moses' name as a central theme, readers are reminded that, while the Old Covenant focuses on earthly rewards, the true essence of hope is unveiled through Christ. This psalm invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of God's enduring refuge, His mercy amidst suffering, and the eternal joy prepared for those who serve Him faithfully.