Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Psalms Ch.89 / 150 Ch.s
PS:89
* God's mercy and truth, and his covenant. (1-4) The glory and
perfection of God. (5-14) The happiness of those in communion
with him. (15-18) God's covenant with David, as a type of
Christ. (19-37) A calamitous state lamented, Prayer for redress.
(38-52)
#1-4 Though our expectations may be disappointed, yet God's
promises are established in the heavens, in his eternal
counsels; they are out of the reach of opposers in hell and
earth. And faith in the boundless mercy and everlasting truth of
God, may bring comfort even in the deepest trials.
#5-14 The more God's works are known, the more they are admired.
And to praise the Lord, is to acknowledge him to be such a one
that there is none like him. Surely then we should feel and
express reverence when we worship God. But how little of this
appears in our congregations, and how much cause have we to
humble ourselves on this account! That almighty power which
smote Egypt, will scatter the enemies of the church, while all
who trust in God's mercy will rejoice in his name; for mercy and
truth direct all he does. His counsels from eternity, and their
consequences to eternity, are all justice and judgment.
#15-18 Happy are those who so know the joyful sound of the
gospel as to obey it; who experience its power upon their
hearts, and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives. Though
believers are nothing in themselves, yet having all in Christ
Jesus, they may rejoice in his name. May the Lord enable us to
do so. The joy of the Lord is the strength of his people;
whereas unbelief dispirits ourselves and discourages others.
Though it steals upon us under a semblance of humility, yet it
is the very essence of pride. Christ is the Holy One of Israel;
and in him was that peculiar people more blessed than in any
other blessing.
#19-37 The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an
emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of
Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy
Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was
persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all
this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings,
deliverance, glory, and authority, in whom alone these
predictions and promises are fully brought to pass. He is the
mighty God. This is the Redeemer appointed for us, who alone is
able to complete the work of our salvation. Let us seek an
interest in these blessings, by the witness of the Holy Spirit
in our hearts. As the Lord corrected the posterity of David for
their transgressions, so his people shall be corrected for their
sins. Yet it is but a rod, not a sword; it is to correct, not to
destroy. It is a rod in the hand of God, who is wise, and knows
what he does; gracious, and will do what is best. It is a rod
which they shall never feel, but when there is need. As the sun
and moon remain in heaven, whatever changes there seem to be in
them, and again appear in due season; so the covenant of grace
made in Christ, whatever alteration seems to come to it, should
not be questioned.
#38-52 Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences
with his promises, yet we are sure that God's works fulfil his
word. When the great Anointed One, Christ himself, was upon the
cross, God seemed to have cast him off, yet did not make void
his covenant, for that was established for ever. The honour of
the house of David was lost. Thrones and crowns are often laid
in the dust; but there is a crown of glory reserved for Christ's
spiritual seed, which fadeth not away. From all this complaint
learn what work sin makes with families, noble families, with
families in which religion has appeared. They plead with God for
mercy. God's unchangeableness and faithfulness assure us that He
will not cast off those whom he has chosen and covenanted with.
They were reproached for serving him. The scoffers of the latter
days, in like manner, reproach the footsteps of the Messiah when
they ask, Where is the promise of his coming? #2Pe 3:3,4|. The
records of the Lord's dealings with the family of David, show us
his dealings with his church, and with believers. Their
afflictions and distresses may be grievous, but he will not
finally cast them off. Self-deceivers abuse this doctrine, and
others by a careless walk bring themselves into darkness and
distress; yet let the true believer rely on it for encouragement
in the path of duty, and in bearing the cross. The psalm ends
with praise, even after this sad complaint. Those who give God
thanks for what he has done, may give him thanks for what he
will do. God will follow those with his mercies, who follow him
with praises.