Psalms 89:22

KJV

The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.

KJV (with Strong's)

The enemy {H341}{H8802)} shall not exact {H5378}{H8686)} upon him; nor the son {H1121} of wickedness {H5766} afflict {H6031}{H8762)} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

No enemy will outwit him, no wicked man overcome him.

Berean Standard Bible

No enemy will exact tribute; no wicked man will oppress him.

American Standard Version

The enemy shall not exact from him, Nor the son of wickedness afflict him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 89:22 is a powerful declaration of divine protection and the enduring nature of God's covenant with His chosen king, particularly King David and his royal lineage. It asserts that the anointed monarch will be immune to the oppression of adversaries and the malicious schemes of wicked individuals, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign commitment to uphold His promises and safeguard His appointed ruler from exploitation and affliction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 89 is a "Maskil" (a contemplative or instructional psalm) attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite. It opens with an exuberant celebration of God's steadfast love and faithfulness (Ps 89:1-4), specifically recounting the eternal covenant God established with David (Ps 89:3-4). Verses 19-37 detail the glorious promises made to David, ensuring an everlasting dynasty and a throne that would endure as long as the sun and moon (Ps 89:36-37). Verse 22 is centrally located within this section of divine assurance, emphasizing the invincibility and divine protection granted to the Davidic king, a direct consequence of God's anointing and unwavering commitment. The psalm then shifts dramatically to a lament (Ps 89:38-51), questioning God's apparent abandonment of the covenant in the face of national defeat, making the strong declarations of protection in verses like 22 all the more poignant as an expression of the ideal, divinely secured rule.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Davidic covenant, a pivotal theological concept established in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), where God promises David an eternal dynasty. In ancient Israel, the king was considered God's anointed (Messiah), a representative of God's rule on earth, and thus subject to divine protection. The concept of "enemy" (צָר, *tzar*) and "son of wickedness" (בֶּן עַוְלָה, *ben 'avlah*) reflects the constant geopolitical threats and internal moral decay that could challenge the stability of the monarchy. Kings in the ancient Near East often faced external aggression, internal rebellion, and the oppressive demands of suzerain powers. This verse speaks into a cultural expectation that a divinely chosen ruler would be shielded from such vulnerabilities, affirming God's active involvement in the political and military fortunes of His chosen king.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 89:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Protection**, asserting God's unwavering commitment to shield His anointed from harm and oppression. This promise is a direct outflow of God's **Faithfulness** to His covenant, a central theme of Psalm 89, which repeatedly extols God's *hesed* (steadfast love) and *emunah* (faithfulness). The verse also underscores God's **Sovereignty Over Evil**, demonstrating that no adversary, whether a foreign power or an individual characterized by malicious intent, can ultimately thwart God's plans or inflict lasting damage upon His chosen one. This theme resonates with other passages that speak of God's control over human affairs and His ultimate triumph over wickedness, such as [Psalm 2:4-6](/psalms/2-4 "Psalm 2:4-6 - God's Anointed King") and [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - God's Wisdom Prevails"). The ideal of the Davidic king's security, as presented here, serves as a testament to God's power to uphold His promises even in the face of overwhelming opposition, a promise that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Exact (Hebrew, מַשָּׁא, _massa'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to lend on usury" or "to oppress," carries the connotation of demanding payment, tribute, or oppressive service. In this context, it signifies an enemy's inability to impose their will, exploit, or extract burdensome obligations from the king. It implies that no adversary will be able to gain leverage over the king, collect tribute, or bring him into debt or servitude, whether literally or figuratively. The king remains free from the oppressive demands of his foes.
* **Son of wickedness (Hebrew, בֶּן עַוְלָה, _ben 'avlah_):** This is a common Hebrew idiom (a construct state noun phrase) meaning "a person characterized by wickedness" or "one whose very nature is defined by iniquity." The term 'avlah signifies perversity, injustice, or moral wrongdoing. Thus, "son of wickedness" refers not merely to an individual who commits wicked acts, but to someone whose identity and actions are fundamentally rooted in evil. The phrase emphasizes the inherent malice and corrupt nature of those who would seek to harm God's anointed, highlighting God's power to thwart even the most deeply ingrained evil intentions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The enemy shall not exact upon him":** This clause declares that no adversary (whether a foreign power, an internal rebel, or a spiritual foe) will be able to oppress, exploit, or demand tribute from the Davidic king. The "exact" (מַשָּׁא, *massa'*) implies an inability to impose oppressive demands, collect debts, or subjugate the king to their will. It speaks to the king's divinely guaranteed freedom from external and internal pressures that seek to diminish his authority or well-being.
* **"nor the son of wickedness afflict him":** This parallel clause reinforces the first, asserting that no person characterized by inherent evil or injustice will be able to bring distress, suffering, or harm to the king. The "son of wickedness" (בֶּן עַוְלָה, *ben 'avlah*) emphasizes the malicious intent and corrupt nature of those who would seek to cause affliction. This clause speaks to the king's protection from personal attacks, schemes, and the destructive intentions of evil individuals, ensuring his peace and stability.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 89:22 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of divine protection. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("nor the son of wickedness afflict him") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first ("The enemy shall not exact upon him"). Both clauses express the same core idea—the king's immunity from harm and oppression—but use different yet equivalent phrasing, reinforcing the certainty and comprehensiveness of the divine promise. The use of "enemy" and "son of wickedness" also exemplifies **Personification**, as abstract concepts of opposition and evil are given agency and portrayed as active forces that are nonetheless powerless against God's chosen. The phrase "son of wickedness" itself is a form of **Metonymy** or **Idiom**, where "son of" indicates a characteristic or nature, effectively personifying wickedness as a parent whose "son" embodies its essence. This combination of devices creates a resounding affirmation of God's protective power, leaving no doubt about the king's divinely secured position.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 89:22 stands as a profound declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly those made to David. Theologically, it highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all forms of opposition, whether from human adversaries or the very essence of evil. It underscores the concept of divine election and anointing, where God actively intervenes to protect and uphold those He has chosen for His purposes. This verse is not merely a statement about a historical king but reflects a deeper truth about God's character: He is faithful to His word, powerful to deliver, and righteous in His judgments. The protection promised here is a manifestation of God's *hesed* (steadfast love) and *emunah* (faithfulness), which are celebrated throughout Psalm 89. It assures that God's plans cannot be thwarted by any earthly or spiritual foe, providing a foundation for trust in His ultimate victory over all forms of wickedness and oppression.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Enduring Davidic Dynasty")
* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous, but the Lord Delivers Him Out of Them All")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - If God Is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Psalms 89:22 was originally spoken concerning the Davidic king, its timeless principles offer profound encouragement and guidance for believers today. It reminds us that our ultimate security rests not in our own strength or circumstances, but in the unwavering faithfulness and sovereign power of God. For those who are "in Christ," who is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, this verse speaks to God's continued protection over His people. We can trust that God will not allow the "enemy" or "son of wickedness"—whether literal adversaries, spiritual forces, or the oppressive weight of sin—to have ultimate dominion over us. This does not promise a life free from all struggle or suffering, but it assures us that no affliction can separate us from God's love or thwart His ultimate purposes for our lives. It calls us to a posture of trust and resilience, knowing that even in the face of intense spiritual warfare or personal trials, God is greater, and His protective hand is upon us. Our hope is anchored in His promise that evil will not triumph, and our eternal well-being is secured in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of divine protection in Psalms 89:22 shape your understanding of God's character and faithfulness?**
* **In what ways do you experience the "enemy" or "son of wickedness" trying to "exact upon" or "afflict" you in your daily life, spiritually or otherwise?**
* **How does trusting in God's sovereign protection, as described in this verse, impact your response to fear, anxiety, or adversity?**
* **Considering the shift to lament later in Psalm 89, what tension does this verse create, and how do believers reconcile the ideal of God's protection with the reality of suffering?**

### FAQ

**How does this verse reconcile with the later lament in Psalm 89, where the Davidic king appears to be defeated?**

Answer: Psalms 89:22 presents an ideal, a divine promise of unwavering protection for the Davidic king, rooted in God's covenant faithfulness. The later lament (Ps 89:38-51) reflects the painful reality of a perceived breach of this covenant, likely during a period of national defeat or exile when the Davidic monarchy was in crisis. The psalm holds these two truths in tension: God's unfailing promise (the ideal) and the human experience of suffering and apparent abandonment (the reality). The theological purpose of this tension is to prompt a desperate plea to God, reminding Him of His promises and calling Him to act. It teaches that even when circumstances contradict God's word, His character remains faithful, and His promises ultimately stand, awaiting their full realization in the Messiah. The lament is not a denial of the promise but an anguished cry for its fulfillment.

**Does this verse imply that believers will never suffer or face affliction?**

Answer: No, this verse does not promise a life free from all suffering or affliction for individual believers. While it speaks to God's protection for His anointed king and, by extension, His people, it must be understood within the broader biblical narrative. The New Testament clearly teaches that believers will face trials, persecutions, and tribulations for their faith (e.g., [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - In the World You Will Have Tribulation"), [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - All Who Desire to Live Godly Will Suffer Persecution")). Instead, Psalms 89:22 assures that no enemy or wicked person will have ultimate, destructive dominion over God's chosen. God's protection means that evil cannot thwart His ultimate purposes for His people, nor can it separate them from His love ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love")). It speaks to a spiritual security and a divine limit on the power of evil to "exact upon" or "afflict" in a way that would lead to ultimate defeat or spiritual ruin.

**Who is the "son of wickedness" in a contemporary context?**

Answer: While "son of wickedness" (בֶּן עַוְלָה, *ben 'avlah*) originally referred to individuals characterized by profound moral corruption or malicious intent in the ancient world, its contemporary application extends beyond specific people to encompass any force or influence that embodies evil and seeks to harm God's people. This can include spiritual adversaries (e.g., the devil and his schemes, as described in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")), oppressive systems, ideologies that promote injustice, or even the corrupting influence of sin within one's own life. In essence, any entity or force that operates contrary to God's righteous character and seeks to oppress or afflict His children can be understood as a "son of wickedness." The verse assures us that God's power is greater than all such forces.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 89:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and eternal Son of David. As the promised Messiah, Jesus perfectly embodies the Davidic king upon whom no enemy could "exact" or "afflict" in a way that would ultimately thwart God's redemptive plan. Though Jesus endured immense suffering, persecution, and crucifixion at the hands of wicked men, these afflictions did not ultimately defeat Him. Instead, His death was a voluntary sacrifice, and His resurrection demonstrated God's supreme power over sin, death, and all the forces of wickedness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The "enemy" (Satan) and the "son of wickedness" (those who conspired against Him, or the very principle of evil) could not exact a final victory over Him. Jesus, the Lamb of God, conquered the power of sin and death, thereby disarming the spiritual forces that seek to afflict humanity ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). His victory ensures that for all who are in Him, the ultimate dominion of evil is broken, and God's protective hand is eternally upon His redeemed, securing their future in His everlasting kingdom ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 7:10

Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime,

1 Chronicles 17:9

Also I will ordain a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, and they shall dwell in their place, and shall be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness waste them any more, as at the beginning,

Matthew 4:1

¶ Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

Matthew 4:10

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

John 17:12

While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

2 Thessalonians 2:3

¶ Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;