Thou hast made his glory to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground.
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in redemption, yet the complaint that follows cuts sharp, God has seemingly abandoned His Church to her enemies, withdrawn all help and comfort, as though He had forgotten His own word.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
His brightness is gone, his fame tarnished, his throne cast down to dust, he has lost all power to govern or conquer. This happened to David's line, and it happens still to the visible kingdom of Jesus Christ. Where is Pentecost's glory? Where is the Reformation's majesty? The gospel throne is hidden from our eyes, and woe to us that the brightness has departed.
AI summary
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