Psalm 89 was written by Ethan the Ezrahite, a wise man who lived long before Solomon. The psalm begins with a beautiful declaration of God's mercy, as Ethan says, "I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations" (Psalm 89:1, KJV). There’s actually a song I know that echoes this verse, and it instantly helped me realize that Ethan was approaching God from a place of seeking His mercy. He goes on to recount God's promises of mercy and faithfulness, especially as they relate to David. Ethan speaks of how God made a covenant with David, promising that his descendants would establish and build God's throne.
To me, Ethan’s approach is a perfect example of holding God to His word. He wasn't asking for mercy based on his own righteousness, but was reminding God of the promises He made to David. Ethan then praises God's power and wonders, recounting how God broke the enemies, scattered them, and demonstrated His might. He also reflects on how God anointed David with His holy oil, establishing him as His chosen one, and how God promised to always defend him from his enemies.
Reading this, I was struck by how deeply God loves a man. When God chooses to love someone, nothing—absolutely nothing—can stand against that person. Even though David wasn’t perfect, his life was marked by deep reverence for God, and he always ran back to God when he faltered. This is the kind of relationship God wants with us: one where we don’t sit in shame when the enemy tries to accuse us, but rather run back to God, the One who created us.
In Psalm 89:26-52, Ethan continues, describing how David will cry to God and how God promises to make David His firstborn, higher than all the kings of the earth. God’s mercy won’t just be upon David, but will extend to his descendants—on the condition that they stay righteous. If they turn away from God’s will, they will face judgment. This is a powerful reminder that, while God is loving and merciful, there are consequences for sin. It teaches us that salvation is personal, and we cannot depend solely on the faith of our parents. Parents must teach their children to walk in their own right standing with God.
As the psalm continues, God promises David that His love and mercy will never depart from him. There’s a pause (Selah) after verse 37, which is meant for reflection or praise. But from verse 38 onward, Ethan begins to lament, feeling as though God has broken His covenant and allowed David’s crown to be cast down. He speaks of the constant punishment they’ve endured, but in verses 45-52, he humbly asks God for mercy, pleading for God to remember His lovingkindness and remove their reproach.
This part of the psalm is so humbling. When we fall short of God's mercy, we shouldn’t come to God with pride, demanding our own way. Instead, we should approach God with humility, acknowledging our shortcomings and asking for His mercy. As the saying goes, "mercy prevails over judgment." I pray that God’s mercy speaks for us, especially in the areas where we’ve fallen short of His glory.
Psalm 90 is a prayer by Moses, the man of God. It’s a short psalm, just 17 verses, but it’s so insightful. Moses reflects on how God has been their refuge, protecting His people from destruction. He also mentions how, in God’s eyes, a thousand years are like a day gone by. He reminds us that life is short, and that the wrath of God comes on those who rebel against His will. Moses even mentions that the typical lifespan of a person is about 70 years (Psalm 90:10), which many interpret as the typical age to live, though God's promise is to satisfy us with long life if we live according to His will.
Moses prays, “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). This is a prayer we often hear at birthdays, but it’s more than just about counting years. It’s about living wisely—applying God’s word (which is wisdom in itself) in every moment, hour, day, and year. Wisdom doesn’t just come in the big moments; it’s woven into the fabric of our daily lives, and we need to live it consistently.
Moses also prays that God would establish the work of His hands and make His beauty rest upon His people. I love Psalm 90 because it reminds us that life is fleeting, like a vapor, but when we live for God and seek His wisdom, that vapor can fill the right places and serve His purpose. Life may be short, but it becomes meaningful when we live according to the wisdom of God. I pray that I would live each day by God’s wisdom, and that I would walk in His grace, avoiding His wrath and living in a way that reflects Christ to those around me.
Lord, I ask for grace to live by Your wisdom every day. Help me to walk in Your light and to apply Your word to every moment of my life. May I live a life that honors You, and may Your mercy cover me in all areas where I fall short. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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