Introduction:

1. This psalm bears a painful tension in the heart of the psalmist.

2. In studying it, we learn much about God and how to properly relate with Him as we grapple with struggles that often baffle our minds.

Discussion:

I. God’s Promise to David (vv. 3-4, 19-37)

A. God promised David a perpetual throne (2 Samuel 7:12-17).

B. God honors His promises (Numbers 23:19; Deuteronomy 7:9; 1 Kings 8:23).

II. A Seeming Discrepancy (vv. 38-45)

A. Yet, from where Ethan the Ezrahite stands, it appears God has renounced His covenant with David.

B. It is likely this psalm stems from the Babylonian captivity (vs. 40; Lamentations 2:8; vs. 41; Lamentations 1:10, 12).

C. Ethan pleads with God to know how long the calamity would last and to return to His former lovingkindness (Heb. Chesed).

III. The Foundation of God’s Throne (vs. 14)

A. God’s throne rests upon righteousness and justice, mercy and truth proceed from it.

1. These principles prompted the promise (Genesis 17:6; 49:10).

2. They also prompted the punishment (Exodus 34:6-7; 1 Kings 9:1-9).

3. They likewise ensured the restoration of the righteous remnant (Genesis 12:1-3; 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Deuteronomy 30:1-3; Jeremiah 29:10-14).

B. This was partially fulfilled in Judah’s return (Ezra-Nehemiah).

C. The full and final resolution came in and through Jesus, the Christ (Luke 1:31-33; Acts 2:22-36; 15:15-17; Cf. Genesis 12:3).

1. Ethan never questioned God’s goodness in his query (vv. 5-18, 52).

2. The keen spiritual eye sees that Ethan was right when he proclaimed that God would establish His faithfulness in the heavens (vs. 2).

3. For this, we must wait for God’s promises, knowing He blesses and defends His own (vv. 15-18).