Psalm 89 24

Psalm 89:24 kjv

But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.

Psalm 89:24 nkjv

"But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him, And in My name his horn shall be exalted.

Psalm 89:24 niv

My faithful love will be with him, and through my name his horn will be exalted.

Psalm 89:24 esv

My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him, and in my name shall his horn be exalted.

Psalm 89:24 nlt

My faithfulness and unfailing love will be with him,
and by my authority he will grow in power.

Psalm 89 verses

Psalm 89 24 Meaning

Psalm 89:24 is a divine promise to the Davidic king, affirming God's unwavering commitment to His covenant. It states that God's intrinsic character—His absolute faithfulness and steadfast love—will continually be present with the anointed king, ensuring his ascendancy. Furthermore, the verse proclaims that the king's power, authority, and honor will be exalted, not by his own might, but directly by and through God's holy name, emphasizing the divine source of all true authority.

Psalm 89 24 Context

Psalm 89 is a "Maschil," or instructional psalm, focusing on God's faithfulness and covenant loyalty (hesed and emunah). The first part (verses 1-18) extols God's unparalleled greatness, power, and faithfulness. The central section (verses 19-37), which includes verse 24, recounts and reaffirms God's unconditional covenant with King David (initially found in 2 Samuel 7). God solemnly declares His promises concerning the perpetuity of David's house, kingdom, and throne, emphasizing that these are based entirely on God's unchanging character and not on David's or his descendants' performance. Verse 24 is thus a crucial declaration of divine commitment within this oracle of hope and unwavering promise. However, the psalm dramatically shifts in its latter half (verses 38-51) to a lament, expressing distress over the current state of the Davidic dynasty, which seems to contradict God's earlier promises, culminating in a plea for God to remember His covenant.

Psalm 89 24 Word analysis

• אֱמוּנָתִי (Emunati): "My faithfulness." This Hebrew term derives from אָמַן (aman), meaning to be firm, steady, trustworthy, reliable. Emunah denotes steadfastness, reliability, and fidelity. Its inclusion highlights God's unwavering and dependable nature; He is not capricious but utterly faithful to His word and covenant promises.

• וְחַסְדִּי (vechasdi): "And My steadfast love." Hesed is a profound and complex Hebrew word, often translated as lovingkindness, mercy, loyalty, or covenant love. It signifies an active, loyal, and compassionate love that is foundational to God's covenant relationship with His people. This love is tenacious and persevering, going beyond mere feeling to demonstrate enduring commitment.

• עִמּוֹ (immo): "with him." This simple phrase denotes presence and active support. It refers to the anointed Davidic king, initially pointing to Solomon and his lineage, but ultimately extending to the Messianic king, Jesus Christ. It underscores the assurance of God's perpetual companionship, enabling presence, and direct assistance for His chosen one.

• וּבִשְׁמִי (uvishmi): "And in My name." In Hebrew thought, God's "name" represents His entire being, character, reputation, authority, and power. To act or declare something "in God's name" means to do so by His authority, drawing upon His inherent power and for His glory. This is a crucial element, emphasizing that the king's exaltation stems from God's identity and power, not his own.

• תָּרוּם (tarum): "shall be exalted," "shall be lifted high." From the root רוּם (rum), meaning to be high, rise, be exalted. It conveys a sense of elevation to a position of great honor, prominence, and power, signifying ultimate victory and supremacy.

• קַרְנוֹ (karno): "his horn." The horn in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including biblical imagery, is a potent symbol of strength, power, authority, glory, and dignity. Animals with prominent horns (like oxen or rams) embodied formidable power. For a king, his horn being "exalted" meant his dominion, influence, and victorious might would be greatly magnified.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "My faithfulness and My steadfast love shall be with him": This foundational phrase establishes the dual divine attributes that form the bedrock of God's covenant with David. God's inherent reliability (emunah) and His active, loyal covenant love (hesed) are perpetually available to sustain the Davidic king. This commitment transcends human merit or failing, assuring a constant divine presence and backing. It signals an unbreakable bond founded on God's very character, guaranteeing support and preservation for the anointed one.
  • "and in My name shall his horn be exalted": This segment highlights the ultimate source of the king's power and honor. It is not derived from military prowess, human diplomacy, or personal charisma, but directly from the sovereign power and authority residing in God's "name" (His divine essence). The "exalted horn" signifies increased dominion, victory over adversaries, and undisputed authority, all attributed unequivocally to divine enablement. This underscores God's ultimate sovereignty and ensures that His chosen ruler's greatness is a reflection of His own glory, destined to triumph over all opposing forces, and find its perfect fulfillment in the Messiah.

Psalm 89 24 Bonus section

Psalm 89 is uniquely positioned within the Psalter as the concluding psalm of Book 3. This book largely addresses the crises and challenges to Israel's national existence and God's covenant promises, ending with a plea amidst deep national distress (vv. 38-51). Verse 24 stands as a profound theological assertion of God's commitment prior to the psalm's lament, thus emphasizing the unbreakable nature of God's oath even when human experience seems to contradict it. The Messianic expectation within Jewish tradition often looked for a king whose horn would be exalted not merely by human might but by divine anointing, a figure who would perfectly embody God's hesed and emunah, a promise perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Psalm 89 24 Commentary

Psalm 89:24 is a vital assurance within God's covenant with David. It unequivocally states that God’s unwavering faithfulness (emunah) and His loyal, persistent love (hesed) are continually present with the anointed Davidic king. This divine commitment guarantees that the king's strength and authority—symbolized by the "horn"—will be magnificently exalted. The crucial qualifier "in My name" underscores that this elevation is not a human achievement, but flows entirely from God’s character, power, and authority. The verse thereby ensures the enduring reign and success of God's chosen king. Ultimately, while addressing the immediate Davidic lineage, this promise points forward to Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the perfect Davidic King, in whom God’s faithfulness and steadfast love find their fullest expression and whose "horn of salvation" (Lk 1:69) is exalted by God above every name, exercising eternal, supreme authority. It serves as a reminder to trust God's promises even amidst appearances of despair, knowing His nature ensures fulfillment.