Psalms 89:35

“Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.”

1. Context: Psalm 89 is attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite and is considered a contemplation of God’s covenant with David. The psalm begins with praising God for His faithfulness and loving-kindness, recounting how He established a covenant with David, promising an eternal dynasty (verse 3-4). However, the psalmist expresses distress over the apparent breaking of this covenant and the suffering of the Davidic dynasty (verse 38-51).

2. God’s Oath: In verse 35, the psalmist proclaims that God has made a solemn oath by His holiness not to lie to David. This emphasizes the unbreakable nature of God’s promise to David and the significance of His faithfulness. By swearing by His holiness, God establishes the certainty and reliability of His word.

3. David’s Covenant: The covenant made with David is found in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, where God promises to establish David’s throne forever and that his descendants will rule over Israel. This covenant plays a vital role in the psalm, as the psalmist grapples with the apparent contradiction of God’s promise and the suffering of the Davidic dynasty.

4. God’s Faithfulness: Despite the challenges faced by David’s descendants, the psalmist affirms God’s faithfulness. While the psalmist expresses concern over the apparent breach of the covenant, the oath mentioned in verse 35 assures that God will not lie to David. This reinforces the psalmist’s trust in God’s ultimate fulfillment of His promises, even in the midst of adversity.

5. Application: Psalm 89:35 teaches us several valuable lessons:

• – God’s promises are unchanging and reliable. God swore by His holiness, indicating the certainty and trustworthiness of His word. We can have confidence in God’s faithfulness, even when circumstances may suggest otherwise.
• – God’s timing may differ from our expectations. The psalmist expresses distress over the suffering of the Davidic dynasty, but the fulfillment of God’s promises extends beyond immediate circumstances. We should trust in God’s timing and sovereignty, knowing that He works according to His perfect plan.
• – Our faith can be tested. The psalmist’s lamentation reflects the human struggle of holding onto faith in the face of challenges. We may encounter difficulties and doubts, but we should hold fast to God’s promises and seek His strength in times of testing.