Psalm 89 22

Psalm 89:22 kjv

The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.

Psalm 89:22 nkjv

The enemy shall not outwit him, Nor the son of wickedness afflict him.

Psalm 89:22 niv

The enemy will not get the better of him; the wicked will not oppress him.

Psalm 89:22 esv

The enemy shall not outwit him; the wicked shall not humble him.

Psalm 89:22 nlt

His enemies will not defeat him,
nor will the wicked overpower him.

Psalm 89 verses

Psalm 89 22 Meaning

Psalm 89:22 is a profound declaration of divine protection and sovereign authority bestowed upon God's chosen king, specifically David and his royal lineage, with its ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah. The verse assures that no adversary, whether an external foe or an internally corrupt individual, will be able to exploit, overpower, or subject the king to humiliation and oppression. It guarantees the security and dignity of the anointed ruler under God's watchful care.

Psalm 89 22 Context

Psalm 89 is a Maskil, or "instructive psalm," composed by Ethan the Ezrahite. It opens with praise for God's unfailing love (hesed) and faithfulness (vv. 1-18), highlighting His incomparable power and cosmic dominion. Following this, the psalm pivots to a reaffirmation of the divine covenant made with David (vv. 19-37). It details the magnificent promises made to David, particularly concerning his perpetual dynasty and the divine protection it would enjoy.

Verse 22 is located within this section of covenant re-affirmation, where God explicitly details the blessings and security promised to His anointed king. The promises in this section (vv. 19-37) form the theological bedrock against which the later part of the psalm (vv. 38-51) lays out a sorrowful lament over the apparent collapse of the Davidic dynasty and the seeming failure of God's covenant during a time of national distress, likely associated with military defeat, exile, or the weakening of the monarchy. The historical context reflects a period when the Davidic line faced significant threats, yet the psalm steadfastly recalls the unwavering promises of God to David, providing a stark contrast between divine assurance and earthly reality, ultimately pointing towards a future, perfect fulfillment in the Messiah.

Psalm 89 22 Word analysis

• The enemy (אוֹיֵב, ʾôyēḇ): This Hebrew term is a common word for a foe or adversary. It can denote a foreign military power, a national rival, or even an individual who is hostile. In this context, it collectively refers to any external entity or force intending harm, exploitation, or dominance over the anointed king. It highlights the threat to the king's national and political sovereignty.
• shall not exact tribute from him (לֹא יַשֶּׁה בּוֹ, lōʾ yašše-bô):
  • לֹא (lōʾ): A strong negation, "not," emphasizing the definitive nature of the promise.
  • יַשֶּׁה (yašše): From the verb נָשָׁה (nāšāh), which literally means "to exact" or "to lend with interest." Here, it signifies more broadly "to impose," "to oppress by exacting," or "to take advantage of by extortion or coercion." It implies reducing the king to a position of subservience, debt, or weakness, thus undermining his authority and dignity. The phrase underscores protection from economic exploitation or political subjugation through forced tribute, common in ancient Near Eastern geopolitical dynamics. This stood in contrast to powerful empires which routinely exacted tribute from vassal states.
  • בּוֹ (bô): "Upon him" or "against him."
• Nor (וְלֹא, wəlōʾ): Connects the two parallel clauses, emphasizing that neither of these forms of opposition will succeed. It shows the comprehensiveness of God's protective shield.
• the son of wickedness (בֶן עַוְלָה, ben ʿawlāh):
  • בֶן (ben): "Son of." In Hebrew idiom, this signifies one who embodies the characteristic of, is fully given over to, or inherently possesses the quality described.
  • עַוְלָה (ʿawlāh): "Wickedness," "iniquity," "injustice," "wrongdoing." This term describes moral corruption, deviation from what is right, and oppressive action rooted in unrighteousness.
  • This phrase refers to an individual (or group) whose very nature is characterized by deep moral perversion and injustice, an inherently unjust person or agent of injustice. It highlights the internal or character-based threat, often representing malicious schemers or oppressors from within, in contrast to the external "enemy." It finds its ultimate type in figures of anti-Christ.
• oppress him (יְעַנֶּנּוּ, yəʿannennū): From the verb עָנָה (ʿānāh), which means "to afflict," "to humble," "to bring low," "to treat harshly," "to cause to suffer." It speaks of intentional infliction of hardship, suffering, or indignity upon another. This goes beyond mere tribute to any form of severe hardship, humiliation, or suffering caused by malevolent individuals.

• Words-group Analysis:
  • "The enemy shall not exact tribute from him": This clause promises protection from external, national, or military threats that would seek to subjugate the king, financially exploit him, or diminish his kingdom's sovereignty by imposing a subservient status. It safeguards the king's regal authority and national independence.
  • "Nor the son of wickedness oppress him": This parallel clause extends the promise to protect the king from internal or character-driven threats, from those individuals whose inherent wickedness would lead them to afflict, humble, or inflict suffering upon him. It guards the king's personal integrity, well-being, and his position against internal rebellion, slander, or unjust actions.
  • Together, these phrases denote a complete shield of divine protection from both external forces of conquest and internal moral corruption, ensuring the inviolability of God's anointed in every aspect of his rule and personal standing. This holistic promise finds its perfect echo in the sinless, triumphant reign of Jesus Christ.

  Commentary

  Psalm 89:22 stands as a cornerstone of God's unwavering covenant promise to David. It affirms absolute divine protection over the king, assuring that no outside force (the "enemy") can economically or politically subjugate him, and no individual steeped in evil ("son of wickedness") can justly afflict or degrade him. This declaration underscores the inviolability of the Davidic king, reflecting God's ultimate sovereignty and faithfulness in upholding His chosen representative.While historical Davidic kings often faced and sometimes succumbed to these very threats (a reality sharply lamented later in Psalm 89), this verse points beyond the temporal failures to the enduring, ideal standard and its perfect fulfillment in Jesus the Messiah. Christ, the ultimate "son of David," faced "enemies" and the ultimate "son of wickedness" (Satan), yet He was never truly exacted tribute from or ultimately oppressed to defeat. His triumph over sin, death, and spiritual principalities is the complete vindication of this promise. For believers, this verse speaks to Christ's victory over the powers of darkness, empowering them to resist the devil and trust in God's protective hand, knowing that through Him, no lasting dominion can be exacted by evil over those in His kingdom.

  Bonus section

  The strong parallelism in Psalm 89:22—"the enemy" vs. "the son of wickedness," and "exact tribute" vs. "oppress"—is a classic poetic device in Hebrew literature that emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's protection. It covers both geopolitical adversaries (external threats to national sovereignty) and personal, moral antagonists (internal threats to character and rule). This double emphasis underscores that no sphere of the king's life or reign is exempt from divine safeguarding. Ultimately, this promise sets a high standard for God's anointed king: he is the one protected from extortion and oppression, not one who practices it himself, distinguishing righteous rule from corrupt governance prevalent in ancient monarchies. This divine protection signifies not just freedom from harm, but the continued ability to fulfill the kingly role as God's representative.

Psalm 89 22 Bonus section

Psalm 89 22 Commentary