Defiled Crown – Psalm 89:38-52

Matthew Henry sums up the closing verses of Psalm 89 in a sentence all believers can appreciate: “Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences with his promises.” The anguish of Psalm 89 can be understood realizing the weight of what was at stake. The horror of apparent covenant dissolution flooded the hearts of those witnessing the collapse of the failing Jewish state, and with it, they faced the apparent collapse of future hope of salvation for the people of God. This scenario may be difficult for us ton fully grasp given our vantage point in covenant history. If we are tempted to grow despairing of our fortunes this side of the incarnation, we need only remember Christ has come, and with His resurrection, our salvation and ultimate triumph are secure. For Ethan the Ezrahite and his cohorts, their hope was tied by faith to promises that appeared questionable given the decline and exile of Israel and Judah. This cloud of uncertainty would persist through the inter-testamental period for centuries without so much as a single prophet to break the sovereign silence. If we can relate to Psalm 89, it will likely be in light of endurance required for the believer awaiting glory, or facing scoffers who mock the yet future footsteps of the Messiah asking: “Where is the promise of His coming?” (II Peter 3:3-4) as we await the glorious return of Jesus Christ the ascended Son of David...