What does Psalms 89:27 Mean?

Study Notes

higher than the kings of the earth
The eighty-ninth Psalm is at once the confirmation and exposition of the Davidic Covenant 2 Samuel 7:9-14 . That the covenant itself looks far beyond David and Solomon is sure from Psalms 89:27 . "Higher than the kings of the earth" can only refer to Immanuel.; Isaiah 7:13-15 ; Isaiah 9:6 ; Isaiah 9:7 ; Micah 5:2 .

The Psalm is in four parts:

(1) The covenant, though springing from the lovingkindness of Jehovah, yet rests upon His oath ( Psalms 89:1-4 ).

(2) Jehovah is glorified for His power and goodness in connection with the covenant ( Psalms 89:5-18 ).

(3) The response of Jehovah ( Psalms 89:19-37 ). This is in two parts:

(a), it confirms the covenant ( Psalms 89:19-29 ), but (b), warns that disobedience in the royal posterity of David will be punished with chastening ( Psalms 89:30-32 ). Historically this chastening began in the division of the Davidic kingdom; 1 Kings 11:26-36 ; 1 Kings 12:16-20 and culminated in the captivities and that subordination of Israel to the Gentiles which still continues. See "Gentiles, times of"; Luke 21:24 ; Revelation 16:14 .

(4) The plea of the Remnant Isaiah 1:9 ; Romans 11:5 who urge the severity and long continuance of the chastening ( Psalms 89:38-52 ).

See Psalms 102, next in order of the Messianic Psalms.

Context Summary

In this section the psalmist draws put, in detail, the fundamental prophecy by Nathan already mentioned; first, in the promises given to David, Psalms 89:19-27; and second, in those relating to his descendants, Psalms 89:28-37.

David's origin was very humble. His dignity and power were all of God. But our Father never sets a man in any position and fails to supply the gifts needed for it. When He chooses, He anoints, strengthens, and protects. Victory also is granted over the man's enemies, because God's faithfulness and mercy are beside him, Psalms 89:24. The relationship between the soul and God is very intimate; on the one hand you have Psalms 89:26; and on the other Psalms 89:27.

What a precious promise is Psalms 89:28! From this point the psalmist turns to expand the promises to David's line. They may be chastened, but not permanently rejected. In Psalms 89:33 the twin attributes of mercy and faithfulness are again blended as the ground of hope of sinful and unworthy men. God's word, once spoken, is inviolable. He is bound by His oath. Sin cannot alter His promise or the obligations under which He has laid Himself. His unchangeableness is a bed-rock upon which we may build with certitude. [source]

Chapter Summary: Psalm 89

¹  The psalmist praises God for his covenant
⁵  For his wonderful power
¹⁵  For the care of his church
¹⁹  For his favor to the kingdom of David
³⁸  Then complaining of contrary events
⁴⁶  He expostulates, prays, and blesses God