In Psalm 89, the psalmist mourns the apparent breach in God’s covenant faithfulness. He cries out, saying, “But You have cast off and rejected, You have been full of wrath against Your anointed.” (v.38) This lament appears after a long meditation on the promises made to David, the king of Israel who reigned from around 1010 BC to 970 BC. David, an important figure in Israel’s monarchy, was chosen (or “anointed”) by the LORD to shepherd God’s people (1 Samuel 16:12-13). The psalmist’s words express shock and grief at the notion that this divinely appointed lineage could face divine displeasure rather than the expected perpetual blessing.
The phrase “You have cast off and rejected,” (v.38) reveals deep dismay. The psalmist believed God’s anger fell upon the very king He decreed to establish. Historically, the Davidic line was meant to endure as an expression of God’s steadfast love. This biblical poem, however, shows the stark experience of suffering and confusion when God’s presence feels withdrawn. The “anointed” likely refers to the Davidic king, symbolizing God’s lasting covenant with David, but in a broader sense, it foreshadows the ultimate Anointed One—Jesus—who would perfectly fulfill the promises of the Davidic covenant (Luke 1:32-33). Despite the poet’s lament, the wider biblical message assures us that God’s covenant will stand, even amid apparent rejection.
God’s plan for this “anointed” figure ultimately extends beyond the ancient kingdom of Israel. Even though the psalmist laments a possible break in divine favor, he holds onto hope that God will reaffirm His commitment to David’s dynasty. This hope points beyond temporary difficulties, trusting that the LORD will remain faithful to His promises. In Jesus, the New Testament reveals how God’s anointed King carries the covenant forward eternally (Matthew 1:1), showing that divine love and mercy surpass human comprehension.
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Psalms 89:38 meaning
In Psalm 89, the psalmist mourns the apparent breach in God’s covenant faithfulness. He cries out, saying, “But You have cast off and rejected, You have been full of wrath against Your anointed.” (v.38) This lament appears after a long meditation on the promises made to David, the king of Israel who reigned from around 1010 BC to 970 BC. David, an important figure in Israel’s monarchy, was chosen (or “anointed”) by the LORD to shepherd God’s people (1 Samuel 16:12-13). The psalmist’s words express shock and grief at the notion that this divinely appointed lineage could face divine displeasure rather than the expected perpetual blessing.
The phrase “You have cast off and rejected,” (v.38) reveals deep dismay. The psalmist believed God’s anger fell upon the very king He decreed to establish. Historically, the Davidic line was meant to endure as an expression of God’s steadfast love. This biblical poem, however, shows the stark experience of suffering and confusion when God’s presence feels withdrawn. The “anointed” likely refers to the Davidic king, symbolizing God’s lasting covenant with David, but in a broader sense, it foreshadows the ultimate Anointed One—Jesus—who would perfectly fulfill the promises of the Davidic covenant (Luke 1:32-33). Despite the poet’s lament, the wider biblical message assures us that God’s covenant will stand, even amid apparent rejection.
God’s plan for this “anointed” figure ultimately extends beyond the ancient kingdom of Israel. Even though the psalmist laments a possible break in divine favor, he holds onto hope that God will reaffirm His commitment to David’s dynasty. This hope points beyond temporary difficulties, trusting that the LORD will remain faithful to His promises. In Jesus, the New Testament reveals how God’s anointed King carries the covenant forward eternally (Matthew 1:1), showing that divine love and mercy surpass human comprehension.