higher than the kings of the earth
The eighty-ninth Psalm is at once the confirmation and exposition of the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:9-14). That the covenant itself looks far beyond David and Solomon is sure from (Psalms 89:27). "Higher than the kings of the earth" can only refer to Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:13-15); (Isaiah 9:6); (Isaiah 9:7); (Micah 5:2).
The Psalm is in four parts:
(1) The covenant, though springing from the lovingkindness of Jehovah, yet rests upon His oath (vs. 1-4).
(2) Jehovah is glorified for His power and goodness in connection with the covenant (vs 5-18).
(3) The response of Jehovah (vs. 19-37). This is in two parts:
(a) it confirms the covenant (Psalms 89:19-29), but
(b) warns that disobedience in the royal posterity of David will be punished with chastening (Psalms 89:30-32). Historically this chastening began in the division of the Davidic kingdom; (1 Kings 11:26-36); (1 Kings 12:16-20) and culminated in the captivities and that subordination of Israel to the Gentiles which still continues. See "Gentiles, times of"; (Luke 21:24); (Revelation 16:14).
(4) The plea of the Remnant (Isaiah 1:9); (Romans 11:5) who urge the severity and long continuance of the chastening (Psalms 89:38-52).
See Psalm 102, next in order of the Messianic Psalms.