Introduction
Psalm 89:19–37: Today’s reading continues Psalm 89. This section considers again God’s promise to David (see Psalm 89:3–4) at greater length. The psalmist highlights God’s choice of David as king, assurance of strength and victory over enemies, and promise of an everlasting dynasty. Even if David’s descendants disobey God, God will not forget David; they will be punished for their sin, but God will not fail to keep the promise.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 89:28 GNT
I will always keep my promise to him, and my covenant with him will last forever.
Read
19 In a vision long ago you said to your faithful servants,
“I have given help to a famous soldier;
I have given the throne to one I chose from the people.
20 I have made my servant David king
by anointing him with holy oil.
21 My strength will always be with him,
my power will make him strong.
22 His enemies will never succeed against him;
the wicked will not defeat him.
23 I will crush his foes
and kill everyone who hates him.
24 I will love him and be loyal to him;
I will make him always victorious.
25 I will extend his kingdom
from the Mediterranean to the Euphrates River.
26 He will say to me,
‘You are my father and my God;
you are my protector and savior.’
27 I will make him my first-born son,
the greatest of all kings.
28 I will always keep my promise to him,
and my covenant with him will last forever.
29 His dynasty will be as permanent as the sky;
a descendant of his will always be king.
30 “But if his descendants disobey my law
and do not live according to my commands,
31 if they disregard my instructions
and do not keep my commandments,
32 then I will punish them for their sins;
I will make them suffer for their wrongs.
33 But I will not stop loving David
or fail to keep my promise to him.
34 I will not break my covenant with him
or take back even one promise I made him.
35 “Once and for all I have promised by my holy name:
I will never lie to David.
36 He will always have descendants,
and I will watch over his kingdom as long as the sun shines.
37 It will be as permanent as the moon,
that faithful witness in the sky.”
Reflect
How many things does God promise to do for David, and what are they? (Consider the number of times “will” is used in God’s speech.) Reread verses 30–34. What effect (if any) does sinful behavior have on God’s promise? In verses 36–37, God compares his watchfulness over David’s kingdom, and the kingdom itself, to the sun and the moon. What is meant by this?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you are our strength, our long-awaited king. When we stumble and fall, you remain faithful and do not abandon us. Give us strength to do your will. Transform us by your love, so we may show forth love to others and give thanks in every circumstance. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 92: A song for the Sabbath.
