Psalms 89:38

But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed.

Psalms 89:38 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 89 is a contemplative psalm of Ethan the Ezrahite, centered on God’s covenant with David. The psalmist begins by praising God’s faithfulness and steadfast love, highlighting the promise that David’s dynasty would endure forever. Beginning at verse 38, however, the tone shifts dramatically to lament and confusion as the psalmist wrestles with the apparent contradiction between God’s promise of an everlasting kingdom and the present reality of the Davidic dynasty’s suffering and rejection.

Meaning

In this verse, the psalmist acknowledges that God has seemingly rejected and despised His anointed one. The “anointed” refers to David and his descendants, who were anointed as kings of Israel. The Hebrew term for anointed is “Messiah,” and the verse recognizes that God’s anger has been directed toward the anointed king. This begins a section of objections (verses 38-45) against what was previously affirmed and sworn to: the everlasting love of God, the unchangeableness of the covenant, and the perpetuity of the kingdom.

The psalmist is perplexed and struggles to understand why God, who had made promises to David and his lineage, would allow them to face such hardship and abandonment. The verse reflects the turmoil experienced by the Davidic line, which seemed contrary to God’s promises of an everlasting kingdom.

Biblical connections

This verse is applied to Christ, who as the surety of his people bore and suffered punishment in their stead. Justice behaved toward him as though there was resentment and aversion, and he did bear the wrath of God, the vengeance of justice, and the curse of the righteous law. The language of being “cast off” and “abhorred” parallels the experience of Christ on the cross, where he bore the wrath of God for sin. Though Jesus faced rejection, suffering, and death, God’s redemptive plan was accomplished through Him, culminating in His resurrection and eternal reign.

Application

This verse prompts us to reflect on the tension between God’s promises and the reality of human experience. It reminds us that God’s ways are often beyond our understanding and that His plans may include periods of struggle and apparent abandonment. As we encounter difficulties and challenges in our own lives, we can find solace in the fact that even the anointed one, chosen by God, faced trials. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty and remember that His plans may unfold in ways we don’t anticipate. It calls us to persevere in faith, even when circumstances seem discouraging.

Reflection

In Christ, we find hope and assurance that God remains faithful to His promises, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. The broader context of Psalm 89 shows that despite the apparent rejection, the seed of Christ shall be established forever. Though this verse highlights the apparent rejection and anger towards the anointed, we know from a broader biblical perspective that God’s promises find their ultimate fulfilment in Jesus Christ, the greater Anointed One.