Psalm-89

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Tanakh versions:

Throughout this site I may use any of the following three versions of the Tanakh: 1. “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS-1917), 2. Mechon-Mamre.org” (MEC), and 3. “Sefaria.org” (SEF).

Colour coded details of our beloved - TaNaKh:

1. Torah = History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings.

*The Ketuvim - Includes, Poetical books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and history of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.

Please Note: Some alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been corrected like it once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.

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Remember the following truth from our beloved Torah!

“Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem, which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).

However, sadly both the later priests as well as our rabbis of long ago have shamefully disobeyed this command of אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim, בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם קָדוֹשׁוֹ - ‘Baruch Shem Kadosho’ – ‘Blessed be His Holy Name!’

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“Tehillim-Psalm 89”

With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

Introduction for Psalm 89:

Psalm 89 is a powerful meditation on אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s covenant faithfulness, written by Ethan the Ezrahite. It begins with soaring praise for אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s steadfast love and His eternal promises to David. But halfway through, the tone shifts dramatically into lament: the Psalmist looks at Israel’s present suffering and asks how אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s promises can still stand.

This ‘tension’, ‘promise’, vs. ‘reality’, makes Psalm 89 one of the most emotionally honest and theologically profound Psalms. It teaches us how to hold onto אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s faithfulness even when circumstances seem to contradict His word.

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Let us now read this rather large Psalm Chapter 89: (JPS-1917 version of the Tanakh).

1. “Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite.
2. I will sing of the mercies of יְהוָה - the LORD for ever; to all generations will I make known Thy faithfulness with my mouth.
3. For I have said: 'For ever is mercy built; in the very heavens Thou dost establish Thy faithfulness.
4. I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn unto David My servant:
5. For ever will I establish thy seed, and build up thy throne to all generations.' Selah
6. So shall the heavens praise Thy wonders, O יְהוָה - LORD, Thy faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones.
7. For who in the skies can be compared unto יְהוָה - the LORD, who among the sons of might can be likened unto יְהוָה - the LORD,
8. A אֱלֹהִים dreaded in the great council of the holy ones, and feared of all them that are about Him?
9. O יְהוָה אֱלֹה צְבָאוֹת - LORD Elohim of hosts, who is a mighty one, like unto Thee, O יְהוָה - LORD? And Thy faithfulness is round about Thee.
10. Thou rulest the proud swelling of the sea; when the waves thereof arise, Thou stillest them.
11. Thou didst crush Rahab, as one that is slain; Thou didst scatter Thine enemies with the arm of Thy strength.
12. Thine are the heavens, Thine also the earth; the world and the fulness thereof, Thou hast founded them.
13. The north and the south, Thou hast created them; Tabor and Hermon rejoice in Thy Name.
14. Thine is an arm with might; strong is Thy hand, and exalted is Thy right hand.
15. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Thy throne; mercy and truth go before Thee.
16. Happy is the people that know the joyful shout; they walk, O יְהוָה - LORD, in the light of Thy countenance.
17. In Thy Name do they rejoice all the day; and through Thy righteousness are they exalted.
18. For Thou art the glory of their strength; and in Thy favour our horn is exalted.
19. For of יְהוָה - the LORD is our shield; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.
20. Then Thou spokest in vision to Thy godly ones, and saidst: 'I have laid help upon one that is mighty;
I have exalted one chosen out of the people.
21. I have found David My servant; with My holy oil have I anointed him;
22. With whom My hand shall be established; Mine arm also shall strengthen him.
23. The enemy shall not exact from him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.
24. And I will beat to pieces his adversaries before him, and smite them that hate him.
25. But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him; and through My Name shall his horn be exalted.
26. I will set his hand also on the sea, and his right hand on the rivers.
27. He shall call unto Me: Thou art my Father, my אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, and the rock of my salvation.
28. I also will appoint him first-born, the highest of the kings of the earth.
29. For ever will I keep for him My mercy, and My covenant shall stand fast with him.
30. His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.
31. If his children forsake My law, and walk not in Mine ordinances;
32. If they profane My statutes, and keep not My commandments;
33. Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with strokes.
34. But My mercy will I not break off from him, nor will I be false to My faithfulness.
35. My covenant will I not profane, nor alter that which is gone out of My lips.
36. Once have I sworn by My holiness: Surely I will not be false unto David;
37. His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before Me.
38. It shall be established for ever as the moon; and be stedfast as the witness in sky.' Selah
39. But Thou hast cast off and rejected, Thou hast been wroth with Thine anointed.
40. Thou hast abhorred the covenant of Thy servant; Thou hast profaned his crown even to the ground.
41. Thou hast broken down all his fences; Thou hast brought his strongholds to ruin.
42. All that pass by the way spoil him; he is become a taunt to his neighbours.
43. Thou hast exalted the right hand of his adversaries; Thou hast made all his enemies to rejoice.
44. Yea, Thou turnest back the edge of his sword, and hast not made him to stand in the battle.
45. Thou hast made his brightness to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground.
46. The days of his youth hast Thou shortened; Thou hast covered him with shame. Selah
47. How long, O יְהוָה - LORD, wilt Thou hide Thyself for ever? How long shall Thy wrath burn like fire?
48. O remember how short my time is; for what vanity hast Thou created all the children of men!
49. What man is he that liveth and shall not see death, that shall deliver his soul from the power of the grave? Selah
50. Where are Thy former mercies, O יְהוָה - LORD, which Thou didst swear unto David in Thy faithfulness?
51. Remember, יְהוָה - LORD, the taunt of Thy servants; how I do bear in my bosom [the taunt of] so many peoples;
52. Wherewith Thine enemies have taunted, O יְהוָה - LORD, wherewith they have taunted the footsteps of Thine anointed.
53. Blessed be יְהוָה - the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.

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Let us now look at the ‘verse by verse’ with the explanations:

vv. 1-4. “Celebrating אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s covenant love”.

Explanation: Ethan begins by declaring that אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s loyal love is eternal. He recalls אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s promise to David: a throne established forever. This sets the foundation for the entire Psalm אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s character and His covenant.

vv. 5-8. “Heaven praises אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s unmatched greatness”.

Explanation: The Psalmist turns to the heavenly realm, describing how the angels themselves stand in awe of אֱלֹהִים. No heavenly being compares to Him. This reinforces the idea that אֱלֹהִים- Elohim’s promises are backed by absolute authority.

vv. 9-13. “אֱלֹהִים- Elohim’s power over creation”.

Explanation: Ethan recalls אֱלֹהִים- Elohim’s mastery over the seas, storms, and nations. He mentions specific victories that symbolize אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s ability to subdue chaos. The point is clear: the אֱלֹהִים who rules creation can certainly keep His promises.

vv. 14-18. “The foundation of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s rule”.

Explanation: Righteousness, justice, love, and truth are described as the pillars of אֱלֹהִים- Elohim’s throne. Those who walk in the light of His presence are blessed. This section paints a picture of the ideal relationship between God and His people.

vv. 19-29. “אֱלֹהִים- Elohim’s covenant with David retold”.

Explanation: The psalmist recounts אֱלֹהִים- Elohim’s words to David: choosing him, strengthening him, protecting him, and promising that his line would endure forever. אֱלֹהִים- Elohim’s covenant love is emphasized repeatedly, it is ‘firm’, ‘unbreakable’, and ‘rooted in His own character’.

vv. 30-37. “Discipline without abandonment”.

Explanation: “אֱלֹהִים acknowledges that David’s descendants may fail, and He will discipline them. But He will not revoke His covenant. His promise to David is as secure as the heavens themselves. This is one of the strongest covenant statements in Scripture.

vv. 38-45. The lament: “But now…”

Explanation: The tone shifts sharply. Ethan looks at Israel’s current situation, defeat, humiliation, and the apparent collapse of the Davidic monarchy. It feels as though אֱלֹהִים has rejected His anointed. This is the emotional heart of the Psalm: the pain of seeing reality contradict promise.

vv. 46-48. “A plea for אֱלֹהִים - Elohim to act”.

Explanation: The Psalmist cries out, asking how long אֱלֹהִים will hide His face. Human life is short; Israel cannot endure forever in this state. This is a humble, urgent appeal for אֱלֹהִים to remember His compassion.

vv. 49-51. “Where is Your covenant love?”

Explanation: Ethan boldly asks אֱלֹהִים to remember His promises to David. He brings the reproach of the nations before אֱלֹהִים, reminding Him that His reputation is tied to His covenant faithfulness.

v. 52. “Closing doxology”.

Explanation: The Psalm ends with a blessing to אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, a reminder that even in confusion and lament, worship remains the final word.

My Closing Message:

Psalm 89 teaches us something profound: faith is not denial. Ethan does not pretend everything is fine. He brings the tension, the confusion, and the heartbreak directly to אֱלֹהִים because he believes אֱלֹהִים is faithful even when circumstances are not!

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This site was originally created, for those who desired to return to our blessed and wonderful faith. Thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at least two or three times a day (if possible) and always seek our beloved אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance, for His love is always with us, especially when we seek Him, blessed be He! However this site has become very much a teaching site with hundreds of studies!

Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be He, said the following via several of our prophets...

“Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה- the LORD of hosts”. Mal’a’chi - Malachi 3:7. (JPS).

And Remember ...

Enjoy your Sabbath Rest, Shabbat Shalom!

אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, בְּחֻקּוֹתַי לֵכוּ; וְאֶת-מִשְׁפָּטַי שִׁמְרוּ, וַעֲשׂוּ אוֹתָם

וְאֶת-שַׁבְּתוֹתַי, קַדֵּשׁוּ; וְהָיוּ לְאוֹת, בֵּינִי וּבֵינֵיכֶם-לָדַעַת, כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם

“I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - the LORD your Eloheichem; walk in My statutes, and keep Mine ordinances, and do them; and hallow My Sabbaths, and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - the LORD your Eloheichem”. Yechezkel - Ezekiel 20:19-20. (JPS).

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“Hebraic Studies” motto is as follows;

“The More Torah, the More Life”

For אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim, Blessed be His Sanctified Name,

He is the one who gave us our Life!”

May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה= the LORD of hosts. be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s (Prayers) and regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah’s (blessings) before food and drinks, etc!

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!

Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

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