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Psalm 89[a]

A Lament over God’s Promise to David

A maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.

A

I

I will sing of your mercy forever, Lord(A)
    proclaim your faithfulness through all ages.
[b]For I said, “My mercy is established forever;
    my faithfulness will stand as long as the heavens.
I have made a covenant with my chosen one;
    I have sworn to David my servant:
I will make your dynasty stand forever
    and establish your throne through all ages.”(B)
Selah

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 89 The community laments the defeat of the Davidic king, to whom God promised kingship as enduring as the heavens (Ps 89:2–5). The Psalm narrates how God became king of the divine beings (Ps 89:6–9) and how the Davidic king became king of earthly kings (Ps 89:20–38). Since the defeat of the king calls into question God’s promise, the community ardently prays God to be faithful to the original promise to David (Ps 89:39–52).
  2. 89:3–5 David’s dynasty is to be as long-lasting as the heavens, a statement reinforced by using the same verbs (establish, stand) both of the divine love and loyalty and of the Davidic dynasty and throne, cf. Ps 89:29–30.

27 He shall cry to me, ‘You are my father,(A)
    my God, the Rock of my salvation!’

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29 Forever I will maintain my mercy for him;(A)
    my covenant with him stands firm.

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