The psalmist underscores God’s unwavering commitment when he declares that “My covenant I will not violate, Nor will I alter the utterance of My lips” (v.34). By referring to His covenant, God reminds His people of the sacred bond He established with them—an oath that remains steadfast despite human failings. In the broader context of Psalm 89, the author, credited to Ethan the Ezrahite around the time of King David (c. 1010-970 BC), laments that Israel has faced hardships, but firmly asserts God’s reliability and refusal to break His word. This notion is in line with other Scriptures emphasizing divine faithfulness, such as Numbers 23:19, which indicates that God does not lie or change His mind. Even when people fail in their promises, God’s spoken word remains solid and unaltered.
When God says “Nor will I alter the utterance of My lips” (v.34), it highlights the power of His word, echoing the truth proclaimed in Isaiah 55:11. There, the prophet affirms that God’s word, once spoken, accomplishes the purpose for which it was sent. In a New Testament context, Jesus fulfills and amplifies these promises, embodying divine reliability as the “Word” made flesh (John 1:14). In every covenant—whether with ancient Israel, David’s lineage, or in the new covenant through Christ—the Lord provides a foundation that remains unshaken by time or circumstance.
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Psalms 89:34 meaning
The psalmist underscores God’s unwavering commitment when he declares that “My covenant I will not violate, Nor will I alter the utterance of My lips” (v.34). By referring to His covenant, God reminds His people of the sacred bond He established with them—an oath that remains steadfast despite human failings. In the broader context of Psalm 89, the author, credited to Ethan the Ezrahite around the time of King David (c. 1010-970 BC), laments that Israel has faced hardships, but firmly asserts God’s reliability and refusal to break His word. This notion is in line with other Scriptures emphasizing divine faithfulness, such as Numbers 23:19, which indicates that God does not lie or change His mind. Even when people fail in their promises, God’s spoken word remains solid and unaltered.
When God says “Nor will I alter the utterance of My lips” (v.34), it highlights the power of His word, echoing the truth proclaimed in Isaiah 55:11. There, the prophet affirms that God’s word, once spoken, accomplishes the purpose for which it was sent. In a New Testament context, Jesus fulfills and amplifies these promises, embodying divine reliability as the “Word” made flesh (John 1:14). In every covenant—whether with ancient Israel, David’s lineage, or in the new covenant through Christ—the Lord provides a foundation that remains unshaken by time or circumstance.