Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 89:38-52

"But thou hast cast off and rejected, Thou hast been wroth with thine anointed. Thou hast abhorred the covenant of thy servant: Thou hast profaned his crown [by casting it] to the ground. Thou hast broken down all his hedges; Thou hast brought his strongholds to ruin. All that pass by the way rob him: He is become a reproach to his neighbors. Thou hast exalted the right hand of his adversaries; Thou hast made all his enemies to rejoice. Yea, thou turnest back the edge of his sword, And hast not made him to stand in the battle. Thou hast made his brightness to cease, And cast his throne down to the ground. The days of his youth hast thou shortened: Thou hast covered him with shame. Selah How long, O Jehovah? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? [How long] shall thy wrath burn like fire? Oh remember how short my time is: For what vanity hast thou created all the children of men! What man is he that shall live and not see death, That shall deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah Lord, where are thy former lovingkindnesses, Which thou swarest unto David in thy faithfulness? Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; How I do bear in my bosom [the reproach of] all the mighty peoples, Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O Jehovah, Wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed. Blessed be Jehovah for evermore. Amen, and Amen. BOOK IV" — Psalms 89:38-52 (ASV)

Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile God's providences with His promises, yet we are sure that God's works fulfill His word. When the great Anointed One, Christ Himself, was on the cross, God seemed to have cast Him off, yet He did not make void His covenant, for that was established forever. The honor of the house of David was lost. Thrones and crowns are often laid in the dust; but there is a crown of glory reserved for Christ's spiritual seed, which does not fade away.

From all this complaint, learn the destructive work sin does in families, noble families, and families in which religion has appeared. They plead with God for mercy. God's unchangeableness and faithfulness assure us that He will not cast off those whom He has chosen and covenanted with. They were reproached for serving Him.

The scoffers of the latter days, in like manner, reproach the footsteps of the Messiah when they ask, Where is the promise of His coming? (2 Peter 3:3, 4).

The records of the Lord's dealings with the family of David show us His dealings with His church and with believers. Their afflictions and distresses may be grievous, but He will not finally cast them off.

Self-deceivers abuse this doctrine, and others by a careless walk bring themselves into darkness and distress. Yet, let the true believer rely on it for encouragement in the path of duty and in bearing the cross.

The psalm ends with praise, even after this sad complaint. Those who give God thanks for what He has done may give Him thanks for what He will do. God will follow those with His mercies who follow Him with praises.