Psalms 89:51

KJV

Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherewith thine enemies {H341}{H8802)} have reproached {H2778}{H8765)}, O LORD {H3068}; wherewith they have reproached {H2778}{H8765)} the footsteps {H6119} of thine anointed {H4899}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your enemies, ADONAI, have flung their taunts, flung them in the footsteps of your anointed one.

Berean Standard Bible

how Your enemies have taunted, O LORD, and have mocked every step of Your anointed one!

American Standard Version

Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O Jehovah, Wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 89:51 is a profound cry from the psalmist, embedded within a lengthy lament that grapples with the apparent failure of God's eternal covenant promises to King David. It vividly expresses the deep humiliation, scorn, and suffering endured by God's chosen king and, by extension, the entire nation of Israel, at the hands of their adversaries. The verse highlights how the enemies' mockery of the Davidic monarch's authority and progress is perceived as a direct and grievous insult to the LORD Himself, prompting a fervent appeal for divine intervention and vindication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 89 is a royal psalm that begins with an effusive celebration of God's unfailing love and faithfulness, particularly focusing on the covenant established with David in the first half (verses 1-37). This covenant promises an enduring dynasty and an everlasting kingdom, echoing the divine assurances found in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). However, the psalm then undergoes a dramatic shift, transitioning into a lament from verse 38 onwards. The psalmist details a severe national crisis, portraying God's anointed king as defeated, dishonored, and seemingly abandoned by God. Verses 38-51 describe the profound distress and perceived divine rejection, culminating in the poignant outcry of verse 51, where the enemies' derision of God's chosen one is presented as a direct affront to the LORD, setting the stage for the psalmist's desperate plea for God to remember His covenant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the exact historical setting for Psalms 89 is debated among scholars, it clearly reflects a period of profound national crisis for the Davidic monarchy, where the covenant promises seemed to be utterly negated by current events. Possible scenarios include the Babylonian exile (circa 586 BCE), where the Davidic king was dethroned, Jerusalem destroyed, and the people deported, or perhaps an earlier period of severe military defeat and humiliation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the defeat and public shaming of a king were not merely political setbacks; they were seen as a direct indictment of the king's deity and the deity's power. Thus, the "reproach" against the Davidic king was understood as a direct challenge to Yahweh's sovereignty and faithfulness, making the psalmist's appeal in this verse a desperate plea for God to defend His own honor.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 89:51 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. The central theme is the **Covenant Faithfulness of God versus Human Experience**. The psalmist grapples with the tension between God's eternal, unconditional covenant with David (highlighted in [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David")) and the harsh reality of the Davidic king's humiliation and perceived abandonment. Another crucial theme is the **Suffering of God's Anointed**. The verse vividly portrays the "anointed" (the Davidic king) enduring intense public scorn, which foreshadows the ultimate suffering of the true Messiah, Jesus Christ, who was similarly "despised and rejected by mankind" as described in [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant"). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Honor and Vindication**. By appealing directly to "O LORD," the psalmist implies that the enemies' reproach against the king is ultimately a reproach against God's power and reputation. The psalmist's desperate cry is a plea for God to act, not just for the king's sake, but to vindicate His own name and demonstrate His unwavering faithfulness to His promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reproached (Hebrew, _ḥārap̱_):** This verb (חָרַף) carries the strong connotation of taunting, insulting, or shaming, often in a public and humiliating manner. It implies not just criticism but scorn and derision, aimed at diminishing the honor and authority of the subject. In the context of Psalms 89:51, it signifies a deep, painful disgrace inflicted upon the Davidic king, which the psalmist perceives as an affront to God Himself. This isn't merely defeat but a deliberate attempt to mock God's promises and His chosen representative.
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _māšîaḥ_):** This noun (מָשִׁיחַ) literally means "anointed one" and is the source of the Greek word _Christos_ (Χριστός), from which we derive "Christ" or "Messiah." In the Old Testament, it primarily refers to kings, priests, and sometimes prophets who were consecrated for their office by being anointed with oil, signifying divine selection and empowerment. Here, it specifically denotes the Davidic king, the heir to God's covenant promises, whose authority and legitimacy are divinely ordained. The reproach against him is thus a direct challenge to God's chosen order.
* **Footsteps (Hebrew, _‘āqēḇ_):** The Hebrew word (עֲקֵב) literally means "heel" or "footprint." Metaphorically, it refers to one's path, progress, or the very course of one's life and actions. In Psalms 89:51, "footsteps of thine anointed" symbolizes the king's progress, his reign, his authority, or even his very presence and the legacy of his rule. The enemies are not merely hindering him; they are deriding his entire existence and the divine authority by which he walks and governs, mocking the very foundation of the Davidic dynasty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD;":** The psalmist directly addresses God, emphasizing that the source of the humiliation is "thine enemies"—those who oppose God and His people. The repetition of "reproached" highlights the intensity and persistence of the scorn. By invoking "O LORD," the psalmist elevates the personal suffering of the king to a cosmic level, implying that God's own honor and reputation are at stake. This is a plea for God to take the reproach personally and act.
* **"wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.":** This clause specifies the object of the enemies' scorn. It's not just the king himself, but his "footsteps," which metaphorically represent his authority, his progress, his rule, and the very path of the Davidic covenant. The enemies are mocking the divine promise of an enduring dynasty, the king's divinely sanctioned authority, and the very ground upon which he walks as God's chosen representative. This public shaming of the "anointed" is a direct challenge to God's faithfulness and power.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 89:51 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its poignant message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the anaphora of "wherewith they have reproached." This emphatic repetition underscores the relentless and painful nature of the enemies' taunts, driving home the depth of the humiliation felt by the psalmist and the Davidic king. There is also a strong use of **Apostrophe**, as the psalmist directly addresses "O LORD," a rhetorical device that intensifies the emotional appeal and highlights the belief that God is the ultimate one who can intervene and vindicate. Furthermore, the phrase "footsteps of thine anointed" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "footsteps" (a part or an associated concept) stands for the entire reign, authority, or even the very person and destiny of the Davidic king. This emphasizes that the enemies are not just attacking the king's physical presence but the entire spiritual and political reality of the Davidic covenant. The verse, as part of a larger **Lament**, also embodies the characteristic expressions of sorrow, complaint, and petition found in this psalm genre.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 89:51 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative concerning God's covenant faithfulness and the suffering of His chosen ones. The reproach against the Davidic king, God's "anointed," highlights the tension between divine promise and human experience, a theme frequently explored in the Psalms. It underscores that challenges to God's chosen leaders are ultimately challenges to God Himself, invoking His honor and demanding His intervention. This understanding of vicarious suffering and the implication of God's name in the trials of His people is a recurring motif, pointing to the ultimate vindication that God brings.

* [Psalm 42:3](/psalms/42-3 "Psalm 42:3 - My Tears Have Been My Food")
* [Romans 15:3](/romans/15-3 "Romans 15:3 - Christ Did Not Please Himself")
* [Hebrews 11:26](/hebrews/11-26 "Hebrews 11:26 - Moses Chose Reproach")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 89:51 offers a profound lens through which to view the experiences of God's people throughout history. It reminds us that faithfulness to God and His purposes often invites scorn and opposition from those who reject Him. The "reproach of thine anointed" can be understood as the suffering endured by those who bear God's name and walk in His ways, whether they are leaders, communities, or individual believers. In a world that often mocks faith, dismisses spiritual authority, or ridicules those who stand for biblical truth, this verse provides solace and a framework for understanding such trials. It teaches us to bring our pain and humiliation directly to God, trusting that our suffering for His sake is not overlooked and that He is ultimately concerned with His own honor and the vindication of His faithful ones. Just as the psalmist appealed to the LORD, we too can find strength in knowing that God will ultimately defend His name and His people, transforming reproach into honor in His perfect timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you experience "reproach" for your faith or your commitment to Christ in your daily life?**
* **How does the psalmist's direct appeal to "O LORD" encourage you to bring your own struggles and humiliations before God?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the connection between the suffering of God's people and God's own honor?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "thine anointed" in this verse?**

Answer: The term "thine anointed" translates the Hebrew word _māšîaḥ_ (מָשִׁיחַ), which is the root of "Messiah" or "Christ." In the Old Testament, it primarily refers to kings, priests, and sometimes prophets who were consecrated for their office by being anointed with oil, signifying his divine selection and authority. In Psalms 89:51, it specifically points to the king from David's lineage, the recipient of God's eternal covenant promises. The enemies' reproach against this "anointed" king is therefore not just a political or military slight, but a direct challenge to God's chosen representative and, by extension, to God's own faithfulness and power. It highlights the sacred nature of the king's office and the gravity of the insult.

**How does this verse relate to the broader context of Psalm 89?**

Answer: Psalms 89:51 serves as the climactic expression of lament within the psalm. The first half of Psalms 89 celebrates God's unwavering covenant with David, promising an eternal dynasty ([Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David")). However, the second half, starting around [Psalm 89:38](/psalms/89-38 "Psalm 89:38 - But You Have Rejected Your Anointed"), shifts dramatically to a desperate cry of distress, as the psalmist observes the apparent collapse of the Davidic monarchy and the humiliation of the king. Verse 51 encapsulates this anguish, expressing the deep pain of seeing God's promises seemingly negated by the enemies' scorn. It sets up the psalmist's final, desperate plea for God to remember and act, bridging the gap between God's faithfulness and the dire human experience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 89:51 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true and final Anointed One, the Messiah. The reproach endured by the Davidic king in this psalm foreshadows the unparalleled scorn and humiliation faced by Jesus, who was truly God's chosen Son, the heir to David's throne ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus, Son of David")). His "footsteps"—His earthly walk, His ministry, His claims of divine authority, and ultimately His path to the cross—were met with intense opposition, mockery, and derision from His enemies ([Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Mocking Jesus on the Cross")). The reproach against Jesus was not merely a human rejection; it was a direct assault on God's redemptive plan and His very character, as Jesus Himself was God incarnate ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Yet, unlike the Davidic king whose earthly kingdom crumbled, Jesus' suffering and reproach led not to defeat but to ultimate triumph and vindication. God raised Him from the dead, exalted Him to the highest place, and gave Him the name that is above every name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - God Exalts Jesus")), demonstrating that the reproach endured by His Anointed One was part of a divine plan to secure an eternal kingdom and salvation for all who believe.

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

1 Peter 4:14

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

1 Peter 4:16

Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

Psalms 74:10

O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?

Psalms 56:5

Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts [are] against me for evil.

Psalms 56:6

They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.

John 8:48

Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

1 Peter 3:16

¶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.