Abstract
Psalm 89 is a study in complexity. Debate ensues concerning its unity, structure, genre and historical setting. Its literary setting causes disagreement, which is not helped by the pivotal role it plays in understanding the shape of the Psalter. Most disorientating, however, is the contradictory emotions—exultant praise gives way to deep lament. The questions raised by these contradictory emotions remain unanswered. In this article, it is suggested that Ps 89 is best understood as having messianic significance. The case is made by noting that the psalm employs theological themes which culminate in the messiah, is heavily based on 2 Sam 7, fails to resolve, holds an important position in the Psalter’s shape and clearly contributes to the development of messianic hope in its early interpretation. The messianic significance of Ps 89, I contend, is found in its singing the steadfast love and faithfulness of Yhwh despite the bleak circumstances to which it alludes.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).