All that pass by the way spoil him: he is a reproach to his neighbours.
The writer of this psalm approaches God's throne with the covenant made to David as his anchor: God promised to sustain His favor toward this people forever through their king. He rehearses God's power in all creation and His faithfulness in redemption, yet the complaint that follows cuts sharp, God has seemingly abandoned His Church to her enemies, withdrawn all help and comfort, as though He had forgotten His own word.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 89:1-52
All that pass by the way spoil him. Idle passers by, who have nothing else to do, must needs have a pluck at this vine, and they do it without difficulty, since the hedges are gone. Woe is the day when every petty reasoner has an argument against religion, and men in their cups are fluent with objections against the gospel of Jesus.
God seems to have cast off David's house entirely, not merely disciplined it but cancelled the whole covenant, yet we mistake the rebukes of Providence if we think they void His word. When Christ Himself hung on the cross under God's wrath, the covenant stood eternal still.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 89:38-52