522_God’s covenant faithfulness

Psalm 89 I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord forever;
with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.
2 For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever;
in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.”
3 You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one;
I have sworn to David my servant:
4 ‘I will establish your offspring forever,
and build your throne for all generations.’” Selah

5 Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord,
your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!
6 For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord?
Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord,
7 a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones,
and awesome above all who are around him?
8 O Lord God of hosts,
who is mighty as you are, O Lord,
with your faithfulness all around you?

A little boy once asked his grandfather, “Grandpa, why do you always keep that old pocket watch in your pocket? It doesn’t even keep time properly anymore.” The grandfather smiled, took out the worn watch, and said, “This was given to me by your great-grandfather on the day I left home as a young man. It may not keep perfect time, but it reminds me of his love and his promise: that no matter where I went, I would always have a home to return to.” That watch, though imperfect as a timepiece, was a faithful reminder of an unchanging promise.

In a far greater way, Psalm 89 points us to a God whose promises are not tarnished by time, nor weakened by circumstances. His covenant faithfulness endures, no matter what His people may face. Ethan the Ezrahite, who wrote this psalm, lived during a time of national calamity—perhaps after a crushing defeat at the hands of enemies. Yet, in the midst of that despair, Ethan anchors his song in the faithfulness of God, whose covenant with David was unshakable.

He begins not with complaint, but with praise: “I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 89:1). The word used here for steadfast love is hesed—God’s covenantal, loyal love. It is His unbreakable commitment to His people, reflecting His own character. Knowing that God’s mercy and faithfulness are everlasting should bring forth unending praise. He longs to make God’s faithful love known so that generations to come will also glorify God.

In verses 5–14, the psalmist declares the majesty of God. “The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them” (v. 11). There is none like Him, in heaven or on earth. The universe was made by him and belongs to him. Yet greater far is God’s character as verse 14 says, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” God rules not with tyranny or unpredictability, but with rich grace and steadfast truth.

Verses 15–18 describe his people. “Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face” (v. 15). To walk in His favor and fellowship is to be happy in his name all the day long. The strength of his people is not in themselves but in him. He is their glory, their shield, their protector. Theirs is the supreme joy of being known, loved, and guarded by the Lord of heaven and earth.

From verses 19–37, the psalmist recalls God’s covenant with David. It is like a rehearsal of Nathan’s words in 2 Samuel 7. God chose David out of obscurity, and established him as king forever, his children after him as long as the sun should endure. For God, David, the man after God’s own heart, was the highest of the kings of the earth, the firstborn of all kings. Yet verse 27 also points forward to a greater King. “I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.” David’s greater Son, Jesus Christ, is the true Firstborn over all creation, the King of kings and Lord of lords. In Him, God’s covenant promises are all fulfilled.

But verses 38–45 present the actual situation of the time. National defeat, the crown cast to the ground, their defenses broken through. He cries out, “But now you have cast off and rejected; you are full of wrath against your anointed.” (v. 38). Had God abandoned His covenant? No. Rather, Israel was experiencing the discipline of a holy God. His covenant faithfulness does not overlook sin. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. He deals impartially, whether it is with his own people or other nations. Indeed, God’s faithfulness is not weak or selfish indulgence. He will not deny His character, even for those He loves. Hebrews 12 reminds us that the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father disciplines his children.

In verses 46–48, the psalmist pours out a heartfelt prayer. From the depths of helplessness, he appeals to God’s mercy: “How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever?” Without denying the reality of their suffering, he pleads with God to remember His covenant. Faith does not deny the pain, but still clings to the promise. Interestingly, the psalmist sees no difference between David and the seed of the promise. What was promised to David is the inheritance of his descendants, and is claimed as such by them.

Thus the psalm closes with the urgent plea that God will remember His covenant faithfulness, and with a final declaration: “Blessed be the Lord forever! Amen and Amen” (v. 52). Despite unanswered questions and persistent sorrows, the love of God remains constant and therefore he is to be praised.

The covenant made with David was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is the eternal King whose throne will never end. He mirrors in all its glory and perfection the steadfast love of God. When we fail, God may discipline us, but He will never cast us away. His mercies are new every morning. As Lamentations 3:22–23 says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” In Christ, God has sealed His covenant faithfulness with the blood of His own Son. Micah 7:18–20 reminds us that He pardons iniquity, delights in steadfast love, and casts our sins into the depths of the sea.

This truth is both comforting and challenging. It is comforting because we can always count on God’s faithfulness. Nothing in our circumstances, no failure on our part, can nullify His covenant love in Christ. But it is challenging because it calls us to respond with gratitude and obedience. To presume upon His faithfulness while persisting in sin is to cheapen His grace. Instead, His steadfast love should move us to deeper devotion, greater holiness, and heartfelt praise.

Let us, like the old pocket watch, take it to heart. We inherit something far better: the eternal covenant sealed in Christ. When life feels uncertain, when defeat or discipline weighs us down, let us remember that God’s covenant faithfulness is unbreakable. And let us echo the psalmist’s closing words with confidence: “Blessed be the Lord forever! Amen and Amen.” God bless.