Psalms 89:19

¶ Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon [one that is] mighty; I have exalted [one] chosen out of the people.

Then thou spakest {H1696}{H8765)} in vision {H2377} to thy holy one {H2623}, and saidst {H559}{H8799)}, I have laid {H7737}{H8765)} help {H5828} upon one that is mighty {H1368}; I have exalted {H7311}{H8689)} one chosen {H977}{H8803)} out of the people {H5971}.

There was a time when you spoke in a vision; you declared to your loyal [prophets], "I have given help to a warrior, I have raised up someone chosen from the people.

You once spoke in a vision; to Your godly ones You said, “I have bestowed help on a warrior; I have exalted one chosen from the people.

Then thou spakest in vision to thy saints, And saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.

Psalm 89:19 recalls a pivotal moment in Israel's history, highlighting God's direct revelation and the establishment of His covenant with David. This verse introduces a section of the psalm that recounts God's glorious promises to David, setting the stage for the psalm's later lament concerning the apparent failure of these promises.

Context

Psalm 89 is a Maskil, a contemplative psalm, attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite. The first part of the psalm (verses 1-18) extols God's unfailing love, faithfulness, and power. Verse 19 marks a transition, shifting from general praise of God's character to a specific recounting of His covenant promises made to David. The "vision" mentioned here refers to the significant divine revelation given to King David, which is primarily detailed in 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17. This covenant established David's throne and kingdom forever.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Choice: God actively intervenes in human history, speaking through visions to His chosen servants. David is explicitly identified as "thy holy one" and "chosen out of the people," emphasizing God's sovereign selection rather than human merit or royal lineage (1 Samuel 16:12).
  • God's Provision of Help and Empowerment: The phrase "I have laid help upon one that is mighty" signifies God's direct empowerment and support for David. God not only chose David but also equipped him with the necessary strength and ability to fulfill his role as king and warrior.
  • Exaltation by God: God "exalted" David, raising him from a humble shepherd to the king of Israel. This highlights that true authority and elevation come from the Lord, not from human ambition or power.
  • The Davidic Covenant: This verse serves as a foundational reference to the covenant God made with David, promising an enduring dynasty. This covenant is crucial because it ultimately points forward to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of David's eternal throne (Luke 1:32-33; Acts 2:30).

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "holy one" (Hebrew: chasid) refers to someone who is loyal, godly, or pious, set apart by God. While it refers to David here, its usage can also carry Messianic overtones, pointing to the ultimate "Holy One" (Acts 2:27).
  • "Laid help upon" (Hebrew: ezer) denotes strong assistance and support, emphasizing that David's strength and success were divinely ordained and provided.
  • "Mighty" (Hebrew: gibbor) describes a valiant warrior or a strong leader. David was renowned for his military prowess, but this verse attributes his strength to God's enablement.

Practical Application

This verse offers encouragement that God still chooses and empowers ordinary people for His extraordinary purposes. Just as He "laid help upon" David, He provides strength and resources for believers today to fulfill their callings. It reminds us that our effectiveness in service comes not from our own might, but from God's empowering presence. Furthermore, understanding the Davidic Covenant's significance in this verse helps us appreciate God's faithfulness across generations and how His ancient promises ultimately culminate in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true King and "Mighty One" chosen by God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Samuel 16:18

    Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, [that is] cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD [is] with him.

  • 1 Kings 11:34

    Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: but I will make him prince all the days of his life for David my servant's sake, whom I chose, because he kept my commandments and my statutes:

  • Isaiah 9:6

    For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

  • Psalms 89:3

    I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,

  • Philippians 2:6

    Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

  • Philippians 2:11

    And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

  • Psalms 42:3

    My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where [is] thy God?

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