Introduction
Psalm 89:1–18: Over the next fourteen days we will be reading from the book of Psalms. The Psalms are a collection of hymns and prayers compiled over various periods in Israel’s history. They are traditionally grouped into five books. Psalm 89 concludes the third book and describes a time of national crisis, probably referring to the Babylonian exile. The psalm wrestles with the king’s disastrous defeat in light of God’s promise that David’s royal line would last forever (see 1 Chronicles 17:11–15). In today’s reading, the psalmist begins by praising God’s love and faithfulness. This is shown in the royal promise to David, God’s power over creation, and God’s victories on behalf of Israel.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 89:1 GNT
O LORD, I will always sing of your constant love; I will proclaim your faithfulness forever.
Read
1 O LORD, I will always sing of your constant love;
I will proclaim your faithfulness forever.
2 I know that your love will last for all time,
that your faithfulness is as permanent as the sky.
3 You said, “I have made a covenant with the man I chose;
I have promised my servant David,
4 ‘A descendant of yours will always be king;
I will preserve your dynasty forever.’”
5 The heavens sing of the wonderful things you do;
the holy ones sing of your faithfulness, LORD.
6 No one in heaven is like you, LORD;
none of the heavenly beings is your equal.
7 You are feared in the council of the holy ones;
they all stand in awe of you.
8 LORD God Almighty, none is as mighty as you;
in all things you are faithful, O LORD.
9 You rule over the powerful sea;
you calm its angry waves.
10 You crushed the monster Rahab and killed it;
with your mighty strength you defeated your enemies.
11 Heaven is yours, the earth also;
you made the world and everything in it.
12 You created the north and the south;
Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon sing to you for joy.
13 How powerful you are!
How great is your strength!
14 Your kingdom is founded on righteousness and justice;
love and faithfulness are shown in all you do.
15 How happy are the people who worship you with songs,
who live in the light of your kindness!
16 Because of you they rejoice all day long,
and they praise you for your goodness.
17 You give us great victories;
in your love you make us triumphant.
18 You, O LORD, chose our protector;
you, the Holy God of Israel, gave us our king.
Reflect
What does the psalmist compare God’s faithfulness to (verse 2)? What does this suggest about the psalmist’s certainty in God’s promise to David (verse 3)? The psalm goes on to describe God’s power over creation in several ways. How do these feats witness to God’s faithfulness (verse 14)? The psalmist also praises God for giving and choosing Israel’s king (verse 18). What examples of faithful leadership in your community or history can you thank God for?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you are faithful in all things, governing the world with your wisdom and power. Your kingdom lasts forever. Let us rejoice in your goodness, trusting in your promises and remembering all that you have done for us. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 89:19–37: The psalmist remembers God’s promise to David.
