This verse assures believers that no scheme or oppression can undo God’s covenant of protection.
“The enemy will not deceive him, Nor the son of wickedness afflict him.” (v.22)
In this portion of Psalm 89, the psalmist is celebrating God’s faithfulness to the covenant He established with David. The phrase, “The enemy will not deceive him” affirms the LORD’s promise to protect David’s line from schemes meant to undermine the king’s authority. It also conveys the idea that no external force will successfully trick or outwit the one whom God has anointed. In the broader context of Psalm 89, David is portrayed as the chosen ruler, connected to extraordinary promises that echo through Scripture, such as being a key figure in the lineage of the ultimate King, the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:11-16, Psalm 89:3-4, 89:35-36,; also see references in the prophets).
Continuing with, “Nor the son of wickedness afflict him,” we see God’s assurance that those with evil intentions (“the son of wickedness”) will not stand against the anointed Davidic ruler. David reigned as king of Israel around 1010-970 BC, leading the nation from Jerusalem and establishing it firmly. Even though he faced many adversaries throughout his reign, the Lord’s commitment to his throne was never in doubt. This unbreakable covenant foreshadows the messianic hope in the New Testament that Jesus, a descendant of David, would one day perfectly fulfill (Matthew 1:1, 1:17, Luke 1:32-33, ).
This verse ultimately proclaims that God’s protection extends beyond earthly challenges. David’s line, culminating in Jesus, stands under divine guardianship so that deception or wickedness cannot derail God’s redemptive plan. It reveals both God’s justice in dealing with evil and His mercy toward His people, highlighting that His promises remain true across time.
Set to dark mode
Psalms 89:22 meaning
“The enemy will not deceive him, Nor the son of wickedness afflict him.” (v.22)
In this portion of Psalm 89, the psalmist is celebrating God’s faithfulness to the covenant He established with David. The phrase, “The enemy will not deceive him” affirms the LORD’s promise to protect David’s line from schemes meant to undermine the king’s authority. It also conveys the idea that no external force will successfully trick or outwit the one whom God has anointed. In the broader context of Psalm 89, David is portrayed as the chosen ruler, connected to extraordinary promises that echo through Scripture, such as being a key figure in the lineage of the ultimate King, the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:11-16, Psalm 89:3-4, 89:35-36,; also see references in the prophets).
Continuing with, “Nor the son of wickedness afflict him,” we see God’s assurance that those with evil intentions (“the son of wickedness”) will not stand against the anointed Davidic ruler. David reigned as king of Israel around 1010-970 BC, leading the nation from Jerusalem and establishing it firmly. Even though he faced many adversaries throughout his reign, the Lord’s commitment to his throne was never in doubt. This unbreakable covenant foreshadows the messianic hope in the New Testament that Jesus, a descendant of David, would one day perfectly fulfill (Matthew 1:1, 1:17, Luke 1:32-33, ).
This verse ultimately proclaims that God’s protection extends beyond earthly challenges. David’s line, culminating in Jesus, stands under divine guardianship so that deception or wickedness cannot derail God’s redemptive plan. It reveals both God’s justice in dealing with evil and His mercy toward His people, highlighting that His promises remain true across time.