July 21, 2023 – Psalm 89

I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to my servant David: ‘I will establish your descendants forever and build your throne for all generations.’” Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord, a God feared in the council of the holy ones, great and awesome above all who are around him?” Psalm 89:1-7

The opening four verses of Psalm 89 contain a trove of theological catch-words from the Old Testament. Verses 1 and 2 are parallel in the proclamation of God’s “steadfast love” in their first lines and “faithfulness” in their second. These two traits are central in defining G-d’s character and relationship with G-d’s people. The single Hebrew word translated by the NRSV’s “steadfast love” is khesed. The Hebrew meaning is difficult to convey with any single English expression, and thus we see different English Bibles using a variety of translations in different contexts: steadfast love, lovingkindness, love, kindness, mercy, loyalty, favor, devotion, goodness, and still others.

The range of translations gives a sense of the broad meaning of the word–more than any other expression, khesed defines G-d’s fundamental relationship with G-d’s people. In both verses God’s khesed is said to last “forever.”

We all know of someone who has stated that they would be our “forever” friends, but over time we have lost contact or they have decided to move onto other “forever” friends. It happens to us all. It is the height of human narcissism that we find it hard to be “hesed” in all of our relationships. But not G-d. G-d is faithful to G-d’s people forever. There is not other way to say it. G-d will not forsake us nor will G-d forget us.

Prayer

Mighty God, in fulfillment of the promise made to David’s descendants you established a lasing covenant through your firstborn Son. You anointed your servant Jesus with holy oil and raised him higher than all kings on earth. Remember your covenant, so that we who are signed with the blood of your Son may sing of your mercies forever; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.