Tehillim 89 | Conclusion of the Third Book

In Psalm 89, the focus shifts to the national level. The psalm opens by praising God’s greatness as seen through creation and the natural order. Then it recalls God's choice of David: ”I have found David, My servant, and with My holy oil anointed him” (89:21), appointing him to rule over the creation described earlier: “I will set his hand upon the sea, his right hand over the rivers” (89:26), with a kingship meant to last forever — like the very heavens God created (see verses 3 and 30).

At this point, the mood of the psalm abruptly shifts. The poet turns to God with a piercing accusation: “But You - You have forsaken, You have spurned, You grew furious at Your anointed” (89:39). After all the promises—You abandoned us. The poet describes the destruction and directly attributes it to God: “You broke down all his walls, and turned his fortresses to ruins” (89:41). He pleads for God to cease hiding His face: “How long, Lord? Will You hide Yourself forever, Your wrath blazing like fire?” (89:47), and reflects on the fragility of human life: “Who can live without seeing death or save himself from Sheol's grasp? - Selah” (89:49) — echoing the fear of Sheol in Psalm 88.

With this, the third book of Tehillim concludes — in the midst of pain and the concealment of God. Harsh statements have been cast into the air, and we are left mostly with unanswered questions: How long? When will God return? There is also a prayer, a plea for God's return (verses 52–53).

The fourth book of Tehillim may offer new perspectives — on the world, on human existence, and on the relationship between God and the world — in response to the questions raised here. For now, we remain in the tension and darkness that the third book surfaces, awaiting where the journey will lead next.