Psalms 89:27

KJV

Also I will make him [my] firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also I will make {H5414}{H8799)} him my firstborn {H1060}, higher {H5945} than the kings {H4428} of the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will give him the position of firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

I will indeed appoint him as My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.

American Standard Version

I also will make him my first-born, The highest of the kings of the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 89:27 stands as a majestic declaration of God's sovereign intent for a chosen descendant of David, promising him an unparalleled status of preeminence and universal authority. Within the broader context of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness to David, this verse highlights a divine bestowal of honor, elevating the promised king to a position of supreme dignity, far surpassing all other earthly rulers. It is a prophetic utterance that points to a unique relationship with God and a dominion that transcends all human limitations, establishing the foundation for the ultimate reign of the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 89, attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite, is a profound royal psalm, unique in its structure and emotional arc. It commences with a fervent celebration of God's steadfast love (_hesed_) and His covenant promises, particularly those made to David. Verses 19-37 recount a divine oracle, a direct speech from God affirming the Davidic covenant. Verse 27 is a pivotal part of this oracle, detailing the exalted status of the Davidic king. The psalm then dramatically shifts to a lament (verses 38-51), where the psalmist questions God's apparent abandonment of His covenant in the face of national defeat and dynastic decline. This stark juxtaposition underscores the tension between God's unfailing promises and the challenging realities of human history, making the declaration in verse 27 all the more significant as a foundational and enduring promise against which later events are measured and future hope is anchored.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "firstborn" in ancient Near Eastern and biblical cultures often carried a connotation of preeminence, authority, and special privilege, rather than merely being the first in birth order. The firstborn son typically received a double portion of the inheritance and assumed leadership of the family. Kings in the ancient world often claimed divine favor or even divine sonship to legitimize their rule. However, the Davidic covenant, as outlined in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), presents a unique relationship where God actively "adopts" the Davidic king as His son, bestowing upon him a divinely ordained authority. The promise of being "higher than the kings of the earth" would have been understood against the backdrop of competing empires and regional powers, asserting the supremacy of God's chosen ruler over all earthly potentates, an assertion of universal dominion that transcended typical geopolitical boundaries.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Psalm 89 and the broader biblical narrative. The theme of **Divine Sonship and Preeminence** is central, as the title "my firstborn" signifies a unique, intimate, and authoritative relationship with God, elevating the Davidic king to a position of unparalleled honor and privilege. This is not merely a human king but one divinely appointed and uniquely favored. Closely related is the theme of **Universal Kingship and Dominion**, where the promise of being "higher than the kings of the earth" anticipates a reign that transcends geographical and political boundaries, asserting ultimate sovereignty. This echoes the broader biblical vision of God's ultimate reign over all creation, as seen in passages like [Psalm 2:8](/psalms/2-8 "Psalm 2:8 - Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations"). Finally, the verse powerfully reinforces the theme of **God's Unwavering Covenant Faithfulness**. Despite the later lament in the psalm, this declaration stands as a testament to God's steadfast commitment to His promises, particularly the eternal nature of the Davidic dynasty and the security of the throne, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah, as foreshadowed in passages like [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **make (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This verb signifies God's active, sovereign, and intentional act of bestowing, appointing, or establishing. It underscores that the exalted status of "firstborn" is not earned or inherited by human right, but is a direct, deliberate, and gracious gift from God. This divine initiative highlights the covenantal nature of the promise and God's absolute authority in elevating the chosen one.
* **firstborn (Hebrew, _bᵉkôwr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be first," _bᵉkôwr_ in this context extends beyond mere chronological birth order to signify preeminence, supreme rank, and a position of unique privilege and authority. It denotes the one who holds the highest status, the chief, or the one uniquely chosen and honored by God, as seen when Israel is called God's "firstborn" among nations in [Exodus 4:22](/exodus/4-22 "Exodus 4:22 - Israel as God's Firstborn"). Here, it confers a unique, intimate, and authoritative relationship between God and the Davidic king, elevating him above all others.
* **higher (Hebrew, _ʻelyôwn'_):** This term, often translated as "Most High" and used as a divine title for God Himself, here functions in a comparative sense, signifying an unparalleled elevation or supremacy. When applied to the Davidic king, it denotes absolute preeminence and authority that transcends and surpasses all other earthly rulers. It speaks to a divinely ordained position of loftiness and ultimate authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also I will make him [my] firstborn":** This clause reveals God's active and sovereign role in bestowing this exalted status. It is a divine declaration, not a human achievement or a natural consequence of lineage. The title "my firstborn" signifies a unique, intimate, and authoritative relationship, akin to divine adoption and special election. It conveys a position of unparalleled honor, privilege, and preeminence within God's divine economy, setting this chosen one apart from all others as the chief and most highly favored.
* **"higher than the kings of the earth":** This second clause describes the practical outworking and universal scope of the "firstborn" status. It declares that the authority and sovereignty of this divinely appointed ruler will transcend and surpass all other earthly powers and kingdoms. His dominion will be universal, establishing a reign of ultimate supremacy that no human monarch can rival. This is a promise of global preeminence and an ultimate, unrivaled authority that will extend over all nations and rulers, demonstrating his divinely endowed superiority.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 89:27 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Metaphor** is central, as the term "firstborn" is used metaphorically to describe the Davidic king's preeminent status and unique relationship with God, rather than a literal birth order. This metaphor draws on the cultural understanding of the firstborn's privileged position to convey supreme honor, authority, and special favor. **Hyperbole** is also evident in the declaration "higher than the kings of the earth." This is not a literal measurement of physical height but an exaggerated statement emphasizing the unparalleled and absolute supremacy of the promised ruler over all other earthly powers, underscoring his universal dominion. The verse also functions as part of a **Royal Grant** or **Divine Oracle**, a formal, authoritative declaration from God that bestows blessings, promises, and status upon a chosen individual or dynasty, characteristic of ancient Near Eastern covenantal agreements. This formal pronouncement underscores the divine origin and unalterable nature of the promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 89:27 is a cornerstone of biblical theology, articulating the divine nature of the Davidic covenant and its ultimate trajectory. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty in choosing and exalting a king who would represent His rule on earth. The concept of "firstborn" here transcends mere human lineage, pointing to a unique divine-human relationship that foreshadows the ultimate Sonship of Christ. The promise of being "higher than the kings of the earth" establishes the universal and eternal scope of God's kingdom, administered through His chosen one. This verse assures us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when human circumstances seem to contradict them, providing a foundation for hope in the ultimate triumph of God's righteous reign and the establishment of an everlasting kingdom.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant and God's Promise to David")
* [Colossians 1:15-18](/colossians/1-15-18 "Colossians 1:15-18 - Christ's Supremacy as Firstborn of All Creation")
* [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 89:27 offers profound comfort and a robust foundation for faith in a world often characterized by shifting powers, fleeting authorities, and uncertain futures. It reminds us that God's promises are not contingent on human performance or geopolitical stability but are rooted in His unchanging character and sovereign will. Knowing that God has appointed a "firstborn" who is "higher than the kings of the earth" means that ultimate authority and dominion rest not with any human ruler or political system, but with God's chosen one. This truth invites us to place our trust not in the transient powers of this world, but in the eternal and universal reign of our exalted Lord. It calls us to live with confidence, knowing that justice, peace, and ultimate triumph are secured in His hands, and to align our lives with His kingdom, which will never end, actively participating in His redemptive purposes in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's promise in Psalms 89:27 deepen your trust in His unwavering faithfulness, especially when faced with life's uncertainties or apparent setbacks?**
* **In what ways does the concept of Christ as "firstborn" and "higher than the kings of the earth" impact your understanding of His authority and sovereignty in your daily life and in the world?**
* **How can meditating on the eternal and universal reign of Jesus, as foreshadowed in this verse, provide comfort and stability in a world of shifting powers and uncertain futures, and motivate you to live for His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Question: Does "firstborn" in this verse mean David was literally God's first child?**

Answer: No, the term "firstborn" (Hebrew: _bᵉkôwr_) in this context does not refer to literal birth order. Instead, it is a title of preeminence, signifying a position of supreme honor, authority, and unique privilege. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the firstborn son held a special status, often inheriting a double portion and assuming leadership. When God applies this title, as He does with Israel in [Exodus 4:22](/exodus/4-22 "Exodus 4:22 - Israel as God's Firstborn"), it denotes a unique, chosen relationship and an exalted status among others, rather than being the first one created or born. Here, it highlights the unparalleled dignity and authority God bestows upon the Davidic king, setting him apart as uniquely favored.

**Question: How does this verse relate to the Davidic Covenant?**

Answer: Psalms 89:27 is a direct articulation of a key promise within the Davidic Covenant, as first revealed in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). It is part of God's divine oracle to David, establishing the unique status and authority of the promised Davidic king. The verse outlines the unparalleled position of this chosen descendant, declaring that God will make him "firstborn" and "higher than the kings of the earth." This promise is foundational to the covenant's assurance of an eternal dynasty and a secure throne, setting the stage for the Messianic hope centered on a Davidic descendant who would fulfill these grand declarations of universal dominion and divine sonship.

**Question: Is this verse talking about David or someone else?**

Answer: While the initial promise was given to King David concerning his lineage, the scope of the declaration—"higher than the kings of the earth"—points beyond any single earthly Davidic king. No historical king of Israel or Judah ever achieved such universal dominion. Therefore, biblical scholars and theologians understand this verse to have a dual fulfillment: a partial, typological fulfillment in David and his immediate successors (who indeed were exalted among their regional peers), but a complete and ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate Davidic descendant who perfectly embodies the "firstborn" status and truly reigns "higher than the kings of the earth," establishing an eternal kingdom that transcends all earthly realms.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 89:27 finds its perfect and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true and eternal "firstborn," not in terms of being created, but as the preeminent One, holding supreme authority and unique relationship with the Father. As [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Firstborn of All Creation") declares, He is "the firstborn of all creation," signifying His absolute supremacy over all things as their origin and sustainer. Furthermore, He is the "firstborn from the dead" ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Firstborn from the Dead")), demonstrating His triumph over sin and death and His preeminence in the new creation. Jesus truly is "higher than the kings of the earth," for all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). His kingdom is not of this world, yet it encompasses all nations and will have no end, as prophesied in [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Christ"). Every promise made to David concerning an eternal throne and a divine sonship ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")) is perfectly and eternally realized in Jesus, the Messiah, the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose reign transcends all earthly powers and endures forever.

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

Colossians 1:15

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Colossians 1:18

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.

Revelation 19:16

And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Psalms 2:7

¶ I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Romans 8:29

¶ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Psalms 72:11

Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.

Numbers 24:7

He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed [shall be] in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.