Verses 1–26
Maschil
Maschil, instruction.
Verses 27–47
higher than the kings of the earth
The eighty-ninth Psalm is at once the confirmation and exposition of the Davidic Covenant 2 Samuel 7:9-14. That the covenant itself looks far beyond David and Solomon is sure from Psalms 89:27. "Higher than the kings of the earth" can only refer to Immanuel. ; Isaiah 7:13-15; 9:6,7; Micah 5:2.
The Psalm is in four parts:
(1) The covenant, though springing from the lovingkindness of Jehovah, yet rests upon His oath (vs. 1-4). (2) Jehovah is glorified for His power and goodness in connection with the covenant (vs 5-18). (3) The response of Jehovah (vs. 19-37). This is in two parts: (a), it confirms the covenant (Psalms 89:19-29), but (b), warns that disobedience in the royal posterity of David will be punished with chastening (Psalms 89:30-32). Historically this chastening began in the division of the Davidic kingdom ; 1 Kings 11:26-36; 12:16-20 and culminated in the captivities and that subordination of Israel to the Gentiles which still continues. See "Gentiles, times of" ; Luke 21:24; Revelation 16:14. (4) The plea of the Remnant Isaiah 1:9; Romans 11:5 who urge the severity and long continuance of the chastening (Psalms 89:38-52).
See Psalm 102., next in order of the Messianic Psalms.
Verses 48–52
grave
Heb. "Sheol," (See Scofield "Habakkuk 2:5").