Meditation

Ethan the Ezrahite is identified as the author of this Psalm, a detail that is important as he was renowned for his wisdom (possibly second only to Solomon);

Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. ³¹ He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite.

1 Kings 4:30-31

An important detail and a good explanation for a Psalm that wrestles with the seeming contradiction between God's Mercy and the familiar reality of day-to-day suffering and disappointment.

The lines we are focused on in this series are a celebration and recitation of God's enduring, immutable goodness to His people, but it's worth reading the whole Psalm to capture the essence of this tension.

For today, though, we can revel in the truth that His "great love" will endure forever and be extended to all generations. Established in heaven and committed to through the covenant with David.

Today's text is Psalm 89:1-4

The verses to copy today are in black. Tomorrow's verses are in grey for context and clarity.

Psalm 89

A maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.

¹ I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
through all generations.

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​² I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

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​³ You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David my servant,
​⁴ ‘I will establish your line forever​
and make your throne firm through all generations.’”

⁵ The heavens praise your wonders, Lord,
your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.

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​⁶ For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord?
Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings?
​⁷ In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;
he is more awesome than all who surround him.

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​⁸ Who is like you, Lord God Almighty?
You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

Encouragement

“We think when we are in trouble, we get ease by complaining, but we do more, we get joy, by praising. Let our complaints, therefore, be turned into thanksgiving."

Matthew Henry

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Andy

If you have a little more time this morning, you might enjoy my New Year reflection here, at Biblecopyclub.com