Psalms 89:2

For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.

For I have said {H559}{H8804)}, Mercy {H2617} shall be built up {H1129}{H8735)} for ever {H5769}: thy faithfulness {H530} shalt thou establish {H3559}{H8686)} in the very heavens {H8064}.

because I said, "Grace is built to last forever; in the heavens themselves you established your faithfulness."

For I have said, “Loving devotion is built up forever; in the heavens You establish Your faithfulness.”

For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever; Thy faithfulness wilt thou establish in the very heavens.

Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 89:2 (KJV)

Psalms 89:2 declares the eternal and unshakeable nature of God's character, particularly His mercy and faithfulness. This verse lays a foundational truth that underpins the entire psalm, which later grapples with the apparent contradiction between God's promises and the harsh realities faced by His people. It serves as a powerful affirmation of divine reliability.

Context

Psalm 89 is attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite, a wise man mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31. It is a maskil, or instructional psalm, which begins with a fervent celebration of God's steadfast love and faithfulness, specifically in relation to His covenant with King David. The opening verses, including verse 2, establish the divine attributes upon which the covenant is built, setting the stage for the psalm's later lament concerning the seeming failure of this covenant in the face of national distress.

Key Themes

  • God's Eternal Mercy: The phrase "Mercy shall be built up for ever" speaks to the enduring and ever-increasing nature of God's compassion and lovingkindness. It's a quality that does not diminish but is continually established and strengthened.
  • God's Unwavering Faithfulness: "Thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens" emphasizes the absolute certainty and permanence of God's truthfulness and reliability. Just as the heavens are vast and enduring, so too is God's commitment to His word.
  • Divine Foundation: This verse highlights that God's character—His mercy and faithfulness—is the bedrock of all His dealings with humanity, particularly His covenant promises. It is a source of hope and assurance for believers across generations.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates two crucial Hebrew words here:

  • "Mercy" comes from the Hebrew word hesed (חֶסֶד). This term is richer than mere pity; it signifies "steadfast love," "lovingkindness," "covenant loyalty," or "unfailing love." It speaks of a commitment that goes beyond obligation, flowing from God's very nature.
  • "Faithfulness" is from the Hebrew word emunah (אֱמוּנָה). This word denotes "firmness," "steadfastness," "truth," or "fidelity." When applied to God, it means He is absolutely reliable, consistent, and true to His promises, a characteristic "established in the very heavens" because it is intrinsic to His divine being and transcends all earthly change.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 89:2 offers profound comfort and a steadfast anchor in times of uncertainty. When circumstances seem to contradict God's promises, or when personal trials test faith, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging character. His mercy and faithfulness are eternal and heavenly established, providing a firm foundation for trust and hope. It encourages us to look beyond immediate difficulties and rest in the unchanging nature of our God, who always keeps His word.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 36:5 (8 votes)

    ¶ Thy mercy, O LORD, [is] in the heavens; [and] thy faithfulness [reacheth] unto the clouds.

  • Luke 1:50 (4 votes)

    And his mercy [is] on them that fear him from generation to generation.

  • Psalms 103:17 (4 votes)

    But the mercy of the LORD [is] from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

  • Psalms 89:5 (3 votes)

    ¶ And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.

  • Hebrews 6:18 (3 votes)

    That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

  • Nehemiah 9:31 (3 votes)

    Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou [art] a gracious and merciful God.

  • Psalms 89:37 (3 votes)

    It shall be established for ever as the moon, and [as] a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.