How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire?
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in redemption, yet the complaint that follows cuts sharp, God has seemingly abandoned His Church to her enemies, withdrawn all help and comfort, as though He had forgotten His own word.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
How long, Lord? The appeal is to Jehovah, and the argument is the length of the affliction endured. Chastisement with a rod is not a lengthened matter, therefore he appeals to God to cut short the time of tribulation. Wilt thou hide thyself for ever? Hast thou not promised to appear for thor servant—wilt thou then for ever forsake him? Shall thy wrath burn like fire?
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