Do you know who Ethan the Ezrahite is? Most people, including Christians who read and study their Bible, do not know who he is. Some might be vaguely familiar with the name. He is one of the countless people whose names are mentioned in the Bible once or twice, but very little is actually known about them. Ethan the Ezrahite is listed as the author of today’s psalm, which we will take a look at the first half.
Ethan wrote only one psalm, the somewhat long Psalm 89, which remembers God’s covenant with King David, and His steadfast love for His people. Ethan was a court musician in the latter part of King David’s reign, and then into the reign of King Solomon, where he was reputed to have been the second wisest man of the country after Solomon (I Kings 4:31). Though none of his wise sayings and thoughts were recorded, the one thing that we have from him is Psalm 89, the first half which declares God’s covenant faithfulness which is unbreakable, and His unmatched power. It also speaks of His choice of David as king, ultimately pointing forward to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our psalm begins with worship, where Ethan declares God’s mercy and faithfulness (vs 1-2). The Hebrew word here for mercy is “hesed”, which not only means the mercy that God shows us, but also His lovingkindness and favor. Faithfulness, the Hebrew word emuna, describes God’s reliability and truthfulness. God’s character is the anchor of our faith. We can proclaim God’s faithfulness even when circumstances appear contradictory.
Ethan then proceeds to recall the covenant that God made with King David (vs. 3-4). This covenant is recorded in Scripture in II Samuel 7, where God promises David both a perpetual dynasty, and to establish his throne forever. This covenant is both unconditional and everlasting. Nothing that David or any of his descendants could ever do will break this covenant. It is ultimately fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal King (Luke 1:32-33).
Next we read how the heavens praise God’s wonders (vs. 5-8). We see how both heavenly beings, such as the angels, along with holy ones upon earth, the assembly of saints, praise the incomparable Lord. No one in heaven or earth can rival God’s holiness or power. He transcends and goes beyond all of creation. There is nothing that can compare with Him, and He is supreme over all heavenly beings.
If you have ever been to the ocean shore or out on a boat during a strong storm, you know how wild the waves and water can be, and how dangerous, as well. There is absolutely nothing we can do to calm or control those waves. However, God, and He alone, can rule the raging sea (vs. 9-10). He also breaks Rahab, which can refer to a large sea monster, and is also symbolic of a figure representing chaos, arrogance, and the enemies of God (such as Egypt). He controls nature, defeats nations, and brings order out of chaos. The God who subdued Egypt in the Exodus is the same God who keeps His covenant promises.
As we know, everything belongs to God - the heavens, the earth, and all of creation upon the earth (vs. 11-13). He created everything from the north to the south. Ethan mentions two mountains that were in Israel - Mt. Tabor which was in southern Galilee, and Mt. Hermon which was on the far northern border. God’s arm is strong and His hand is mighty. Verse 14 speaks of the four attributes that form God’s rule - justice, righteousness, mercy, and truth. His rule is morally perfect. His covenant faithfulness flows from His nature, not from any human merit.
Ethan continues by recounting the blessings for God’s covenant people (vs. 15-18). Those who know the “joyful sound” (possibly referring to worship or covenant celebrations) will walk in God’s light. We have the blessings of His presence and His Name. We have His righteousness, and the protection of His strength and defense. True joy comes from walking in obedience and worship.
Our portion of this psalm closes with God speaking of finding David, and anointing and establishing him as king (vs. 19-21). David’s kingship was God-initiated, not man-made. David is a type or symbol of the Lord Jesus, who was chosen, anointed, strengthened, and victorious. Jesus fulfills the Davidic covenant perfectly and eternally.
As we look back at this first half of Psalm 89 and what the wise Ethan seeks to teach us, we see that God’s faithfulness is absolute and unchanging. His sovereignty extends over all creation, nations, and spiritual beings. We also see that the Davidic covenant is literal, everlasting, and is fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ. When God makes a covenant, His character guarantees His promises.
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