John Calvin Commentary Psalms 89:22

"The enemy shall not exact from him, Nor the son of wickedness afflict him." — Psalms 89:22 (ASV)

The enemy shall not exact upon him. Here it is declared in explicit terms that although David may have enemies, the power of God will always be ready to maintain and defend him, so that he will not be oppressed with unrighteous violence. It is accordingly affirmed that David will not pay tribute to his enemies, like one who is defeated in battle is forced to accept such conditions of peace as his conqueror dictates, however harmful these may be to him.

When his enemies are called sons of iniquity, it is implicitly suggested that this government will be so free from tyranny and extortion that whoever attempts to overthrow it will be committing wrong and wickedness. The point is that David and his successors will be so secure and strongly fortified by divine protection that it will be impossible for their enemies to treat them as they wish.

Regarding the fact that God allowed this kingdom to be greatly afflicted, so that David’s successors were forced to pay a vast amount of tribute to foreign and pagan kings, this does not contradict the promise. For, although the power of the kingdom was reduced, it was enough that the root still remained until Christ came, in whose hand the kingdom was finally firmly established.

Since both the king and the people wickedly rejected this unique blessing of God, the kingdom was often shaken through their own fault, later weakened, and finally ruined. Yet God, to confirm His prophecy concerning the permanence of this kingdom, never ceased to cherish and preserve some hope by striving against their ingratitude. Besides, when mention is made of David’s haters and oppressors, it is implied that this throne will not be exempt from annoyances and troubles, since there will always be some who rise up in hostility against it, unless God opposes them.