Psalms:89

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* Verse 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 . * Verse 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 . * Verse 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 . * Verse 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 . * Verse 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 ? 2Peter strkjv @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 . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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