How does Psalm 89 describe God's faithfulness?

Psalm 89 is a profound and deeply theological psalm that delves into the themes of God's faithfulness, the Davidic covenant, and the seeming contradiction between God's promises and the present reality of suffering and defeat. This psalm, attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite, is a rich tapestry of praise, lament, and petition, and it offers a comprehensive description of God's faithfulness, especially in the context of His covenant with David.

The psalm begins with a declaration of God's steadfast love and faithfulness. In the opening verses, the psalmist proclaims:

"I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. For I said, 'Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.'" (Psalm 89:1-2, ESV)

These verses set the tone for the entire psalm. The psalmist is committed to singing of God's steadfast love (Hebrew: "chesed") and making known His faithfulness ("emunah") to all generations. The use of the word "forever" emphasizes the eternal nature of God's attributes. God's faithfulness is not a temporary or fleeting quality; it is an enduring and unchanging aspect of His character.

The psalmist then recounts God's covenant with David, which is a central theme in Psalm 89. God made a promise to David that his descendants would rule forever. This covenant is a testament to God's faithfulness:

"You have said, 'I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.'" (Psalm 89:3-4, ESV)

Here, the psalmist reminds God of His own words, highlighting the divine promise of an everlasting dynasty. The covenant with David is not just a historical event; it is a perpetual commitment that underscores God's unwavering faithfulness.

The psalmist continues to extol God's attributes, particularly His power and sovereignty over creation. Verses 5-13 are a hymn of praise that celebrates God's majesty and might. The heavens themselves praise God's wonders and faithfulness:

"Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones! For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord, a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him?" (Psalm 89:5-7, ESV)

These verses emphasize that God's faithfulness is recognized not only on earth but also in the heavenly realms. The psalmist uses rhetorical questions to underscore the incomparable nature of God. No one in the heavens or on earth can be compared to Him. His faithfulness is a part of His divine essence, celebrated by the heavenly hosts.

The psalmist also reflects on God's role as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Verses 9-13 highlight God's control over the natural world, including the sea and the mountains:

"You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them. You crushed Rahab like a carcass; you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm. The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them." (Psalm 89:9-11, ESV)

These verses illustrate God's sovereign power over creation, further reinforcing His faithfulness. If God can control the chaotic forces of nature, He can surely uphold His covenant promises.

The psalmist then returns to the theme of the Davidic covenant, recounting God's promises to David in more detail. Verses 19-37 are a direct address from God, reaffirming His commitment to David and his descendants. God promises to establish David's throne forever and to be a father to his descendants:

"My steadfast love I will keep for him forever, and my covenant will stand firm for him. I will establish his offspring forever and his throne as the days of the heavens." (Psalm 89:28-29, ESV)

These verses reiterate the eternal nature of God's covenant with David. God's steadfast love and faithfulness are the foundation of this covenant. Even if David's descendants sin, God promises not to break His covenant:

"If his children forsake my law and do not walk according to my rules, if they violate my statutes and do not keep my commandments, then I will punish their transgression with the rod and their iniquity with stripes, but I will not remove from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips." (Psalm 89:30-34, ESV)

These verses highlight the tension between God's justice and His faithfulness. While God will discipline disobedience, He will not revoke His covenant. His faithfulness is unbreakable, even in the face of human failure.

However, the psalm takes a dramatic turn in verses 38-45. The psalmist laments the current state of the Davidic dynasty, which appears to be in ruins. He cries out to God, questioning why He has allowed His anointed king to be defeated and humiliated:

"But now you have cast off and rejected; you are full of wrath against your anointed. You have renounced the covenant with your servant; you have defiled his crown in the dust." (Psalm 89:38-39, ESV)

These verses express a deep sense of abandonment and confusion. The psalmist feels that God has broken His covenant, even though he knows that God's faithfulness is supposed to be unwavering. This lament reflects the historical context of the psalm, likely written during a time of national crisis, such as the Babylonian exile.

Despite the apparent contradiction between God's promises and the present reality, the psalmist does not lose hope. He appeals to God's faithfulness and steadfast love, asking Him to remember His covenant and restore the Davidic king:

"How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your wrath burn like fire? Remember how short my time is! For what vanity you have created all the children of man! What man can live and never see death? Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Lord, where is your steadfast love of old, which by your faithfulness you swore to David?" (Psalm 89:46-49, ESV)

These verses are a heartfelt plea for God to act according to His faithfulness. The psalmist acknowledges the brevity of human life and the futility of existence without God's intervention. He calls on God to remember His steadfast love and faithfulness, which He swore to David.

Psalm 89 concludes with a doxology, a brief expression of praise to God:

"Blessed be the Lord forever! Amen and Amen." (Psalm 89:52, ESV)

This final verse is a declaration of faith in God's eternal nature, despite the unresolved tension in the preceding verses. It serves as a reminder that, regardless of present circumstances, God is worthy of praise and His faithfulness endures forever.

In summary, Psalm 89 provides a multifaceted description of God's faithfulness. It begins with a proclamation of God's steadfast love and faithfulness, recounts the promises of the Davidic covenant, and praises God's sovereign power over creation. The psalmist then laments the apparent failure of the covenant, but ultimately appeals to God's unchanging faithfulness and steadfast love. Through its mixture of praise, lament, and petition, Psalm 89 offers a profound exploration of the complexities of faith in the face of adversity, while affirming the eternal and unbreakable nature of God's faithfulness.