Psalms 89 - Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes

Title. Maschil. Instruction. The twelfth of thirteen so named (the thirteenth being Psalms 142). See note on Psalms 32, and App-65.

Ethan. Mentioned with Heman (Psalms 88).. Merarite (1 Chronicles 6:44; 1 Chronicles 15:17). He seems to have another name, "Jeduthun" (1 Chronicles 25:1; 1 Chronicles 25:3 1 Chronicles 25:6. 1 Chronicles 16:41; 1 Chronicles 16:42). The only Psalm ascribed to Ethan. See note on Psalms 89:30. Ezrahite. See note on Psalms 88, Title. Compre the case of Elkanah 1 Samuel 1:1).

mercies. lovingkindnesses. Plural of majesty. the great lovingkindness.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

faithfulness. truth. Hebrew. 'emunah. Seven times reiterated in this Psalm: verses: Psalms 89:1; Psalms 89:2; Psalms 89:5, Psa 1:8, Psa 1:24, Psa 1:33, Psa 1:49 ("in thy truth").

I have said. Some codices, with Septuagint and Vulgate, read "Thou hast said". Compare Psalms 89:19. The words of Ethan, reminding Jehovah of His covenant with David.

Mercy. Lovingkindness, or grace. Note "Mercy" (Psalms 89:2); "covenant" (Psalms 89:3); "seed" (Psalms 89:4); repeated below (verses: Psalms 89:19-32 and verses: Psalms 89:33-37).

made. solemnized.

covenant. See 2 Samuel 7, where Jehovah, being the only party, the covenant is unconditional, and. a "promise" among "the sure mercies of David", &c. But it looks beyond David.

sworn. See 2 Samuel 7:11, &c.; the word is not used there, but the terms of the oath are given.

Selah. Connecting the recital of Jehovah's covenant with the praise offered for it. See App-66.

saints. holy ones, or angels. See preceding line, &c.

who. Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6. This is the cry of all His saints. See note on Exodus 15:11.

heaven. sky. Same word as Psalms 89:37.

sons of the mighty. sons of Elim. the angels.

GOD. Hebrew El. App-4.

assembly. secret conclave.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

LORD. Hebrew Jah. App-4.

Rahab. Egypt. See note on Psalms 87:4.

arm. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6.

the world. Hebrew. tebel = the world as inhabited.

Tabor and Hermon. West and east of the Holy Land; and, with north and south, completing the four points of the compass.

hand. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6.

Justice. Righteousness.

habitation. foundation.

face. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6.

Blessed. Happy. Figure of speech Beatitudo. App-6. See App-63.

the joyful sound. Of the trumpet's assembling sound. Leviticus 23.

countenance. face. See Psalms 89:14.

spiritual blessings symbolized by the feasts. 1 Corinthians 5:6-8

Thy name. Thyself. See note on Psalms 20:1.

glory. beauty.

horn. Many codices, with four early printed editions, read "horns" (plural); but seven early printed editions read sing,

defence. shield. Hebrew. ganan, to cover, or protect.

I have found, &c. Quoted in Acts 13:22.

wickedness. Hebrew. 'avval. App-44.

foes. adversaries.

Higher. MOST HIGH. Hebrew. 'Elyon. App-4. This looks forward to Immanuel (Isaiah 7:13-15; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 9:7; Micah 5:2).

If his children, &c. Ethan refers to the very words of warning given to Solomon (1 Kings 9:6; 1 Kings 9:7. Compare Psa 11:11-13), which, with 2 Samuel 7, should be read with this Psalm. Ethan (we may suppose) outlived Solomon, and saw the break-up of the kingdom; and left this Psalm for Instruction (Maschil) for all future time.

children. sons.

And walk not. Figure of speech Pleonasm (App-6), for emphasis.

break. profane.

And keep not. Figure of speech Pleonasm (App-6), for emphasis.

Then will I. Compare 2 Samuel 7:14.

transgression. revolt. Hebrew. pasha '. App-44.

iniquity. Hebrew. av. h. App-44.

Nevertheless. Figure of speech Palinodia. App-6. Compare 2 Samuel 7:15.

lovingkindness. grace.

break. profane.

alter. violate.

His seed, &c. Compare John 12:34.

a faithful witness: i.e. the sun (Compare Psalms 89:36). See note on "testimony" (Psalms 19:7). Revelation 1:5; Revelation 3:14.

Selah. Connecting the above solemn warning with the fulfilment in the visitation of judgment in the next member. See App-66.

Thine. Thine own.

made void. disowned only here and in Lamentations 2:7. Lam 2:45

Selah. Connecting the visitation with the prayer for its removal. See App-66.

Shall. Supply Ellipsis from preceding line: "[How long] shall", &c.

time. lifetime.

men. sons of Adam. App-14.

man. strong man. Hebrew. geber. App-14.

soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.

hand. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6, for the power exercised by it.

the grave. Hebrew. Sheol. App-35.

Selah. Connecting the fact of man's frailty (even of the strongest) with the renewed and increased fervour of his complaint. See App-66.

LORD *. One of the 134 places where the Sopherim altered Jehovah to Adonai. See App-32.

swarest. See 2 Samuel 7, and note on Psalms 89:3.

truth. faithfulness. Same word as rendered "faithfulness" in Psalms 89:1. Here, the last of the seven occurrences.