Psalm 89: 2-3, 16-19

The responsorial psalm for this week comes from Psalm 89, which praises God’s faithfulness to the promises made to David (2 Samuel 7:16) and contains themes that are very important in Davidic theology.

Considering this psalm as a response to our first reading, we might think of this responsorial as a song of praise on the lips of the woman of Shunem, who was blessed with a son after her interactions with Elisha.

The promises of the LORD I will sing forever;

“The promises of the LORD” refers to God’s covenant with David, a pure gift from God.

These promises included the assurance that David’s descendants will inherit the throne and that God’s presence and favor will be with them throughout generations.

through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.

Faithfulness is ěmûnâh, a technical term for covenant fidelity, a loyalty that will stand as long as the heavens stand.

For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.

The specific term for God’s kindness is hesed, often translated as “lovingkindness.”

Hesed is an unconditional and eternal love. this is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast and unchanging commitment.

Together, hesed and emûnâh describe the unbreakable bond between God and David that transcends time and extends throughout eternity. It reaches even to the heavens, surpassing any temporal limitations.

Blessed the people who know the joyful shout;

The focus of the psalm turns to the people themselves, using a macarism to describe them as “blessed.”

The reason for this blessedness is threefold, as we will see: 1) they walk in the light of the Lord, 2) they rejoice in God’s name, and 3) they exalt in God’s justice.

The “joyful shout” is the rejoicing and praise that the people offer to God in worship.

in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk.

Those who “know the joyful shout” are intimately involved in worshipping God. They recognize his faithfulness and respond with heartfelt joy and exuberance.

These joyful and grateful individuals are described as walking in the radiance of God’s face, a metaphor that means they enjoy God’s favor. Their lives are guided by the hand of God and by his commandments.

At your name they rejoice all the day,

In the Jewish tradition, one’s name is more than just a personal identifier; it contains the very essence of the one named.

Rejoicing at God’s name signifies a deep reverence and delight in the character, attributes, and presence of God.

and through your justice they are exalted.

The exaltation of the faithful is attributed to God’s justice, indicating that he uplifts and honors those who align themselves with his ways.

All these blessings flow from the covenantal lovingkindness (hesed) and faithfulness (emûnâh) mentioned earlier.

You are the splendor of their strength, and by your favor our horn is exalted.

God is acknowledged as the sole source of strength and honor.

In ancient times, warriors would fashion horns into weapons such as trumpets or as emblems on their helmets to signify their strength and readiness for battle.

The psalmist uses the imagery of the horn to describe how, through God’s favor and support, the people are given the power and honor to overcome their adversaries and achieve victory. Their strength is derived from God and their success is attributed to his favor.

For to the LORD belongs our shield, and the Holy One of Israel, our king.

The final verse affirms God’s ownership over the protection and defense of the people. He is their shield, safeguarding and preserving them. He is the Holy One of Israel and their King, who exercises sovereignty and authority over their lives.