Proper 11/Pentecost 9/Ordinary Time 16
Preaching
Hear My Voice
Preaching The Lectionary Psalms for Cycles A, B, C
Object:
(See Advent 4, Cycle B, for vv. 1-4, 19-26.)
Psalm 89 is an example of what some scholars classify as a "royal psalm." These royal psalms typically celebrate the Davidic monarchy. This particular psalm comes from a time when Israel is suffering at the hands of some enemy. The setting for the psalm is not necessarily during David's reign. The royal psalms were used in worship during the reign of successive kings.
The portion of the psalm we are considering (vv. 20-37), represents a poetic version of Nathan's prophecy regarding David's reign (2 Samuel 7:4-17). It serves as a reminder of both God's promise and the king's responsibility.
It is possible that this psalm was actually recited in worship by the Davidic king himself. The effect of hearing the king voice the promise of God to guard the throne for David's descendents would have been very dramatic. It is also possible the psalm would have been recited to the king and the congregation by the worship leader. The king would have heard his people reminding him of God's expectations.
The content of the psalm follows the main points of Nathan's prophecy. God promises to remain steadfast with David throughout his life. God also promises to do great things through the king, not the least of which is to make of his descendants, "the highest kings of the earth" (v. 27).
What God expects from the Davidic line in return is obedience. The use of this psalm with successive kings would have served to remind them that God's promise is conditioned upon the king's continued observance of the law.
The section concludes with a return to the promise. God pledges fidelity to the Davidic line. "I will not violate my covenant, or alter the word that went forth from my lips" (v. 34).
What are we to do with conditional promises? Does God's gracious favor come and go depending on our behavior? We make a mistake if we seek to apply this psalm to our ordinary daily relationship with God. God does not accept us then abandon us when we fail to live up to expectations.
However, if we experience a moral lapse while serving in a position of leadership, we should not be surprised when we are removed from that position. This does not reflect God abandoning us personally. It is, however, and example of a principle Jesus articulated: "From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required" (Luke 12:48).
-- J. E.
Psalm 89 is an example of what some scholars classify as a "royal psalm." These royal psalms typically celebrate the Davidic monarchy. This particular psalm comes from a time when Israel is suffering at the hands of some enemy. The setting for the psalm is not necessarily during David's reign. The royal psalms were used in worship during the reign of successive kings.
The portion of the psalm we are considering (vv. 20-37), represents a poetic version of Nathan's prophecy regarding David's reign (2 Samuel 7:4-17). It serves as a reminder of both God's promise and the king's responsibility.
It is possible that this psalm was actually recited in worship by the Davidic king himself. The effect of hearing the king voice the promise of God to guard the throne for David's descendents would have been very dramatic. It is also possible the psalm would have been recited to the king and the congregation by the worship leader. The king would have heard his people reminding him of God's expectations.
The content of the psalm follows the main points of Nathan's prophecy. God promises to remain steadfast with David throughout his life. God also promises to do great things through the king, not the least of which is to make of his descendants, "the highest kings of the earth" (v. 27).
What God expects from the Davidic line in return is obedience. The use of this psalm with successive kings would have served to remind them that God's promise is conditioned upon the king's continued observance of the law.
The section concludes with a return to the promise. God pledges fidelity to the Davidic line. "I will not violate my covenant, or alter the word that went forth from my lips" (v. 34).
What are we to do with conditional promises? Does God's gracious favor come and go depending on our behavior? We make a mistake if we seek to apply this psalm to our ordinary daily relationship with God. God does not accept us then abandon us when we fail to live up to expectations.
However, if we experience a moral lapse while serving in a position of leadership, we should not be surprised when we are removed from that position. This does not reflect God abandoning us personally. It is, however, and example of a principle Jesus articulated: "From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required" (Luke 12:48).
-- J. E.
