| Geneva Study Bible Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. Wesley's Notes 89:27 My first - born - As he calls me father, ver.26, so I will make him my son, yea my first - born; who had divers privileges above other sons. This and the following passage in some sort agree to David, but are properly accomplished in Christ. Higher - This also was in some sort accomplished in David, but more fully in the Messiah. Scofield Reference Notes [1] higher than the kings of the earth The eighty-ninth Psalm is at once the confirmation and exposition of the Davidic Covenant 2Sam 7:9-14. That the covenant itself looks far beyond David and Solomon is sure from Ps 89:27. "Higher than the kings of the earth" can only refer to Immanuel. Isa 7:13-15 9:6,7 Mic 5:2. The Psalm is in four parts: (1) The covenant, though springing from the lovingkindness of Jehovah, yet rests upon His oath (vs. 1-4). (2) Jehovah is glorified for His power and goodness in connection with the covenant (vs 5-18). (3) The response of Jehovah (vs. 19-37). This is in two parts: (a), it confirms the covenant (Ps 89:19-29), but (b), warns that disobedience in the royal posterity of David will be punished with chastening (Ps 89:30-32). Historically this chastening began in the division of the Davidic kingdom 1Ki 11:26-36 12:16-20 and culminated in the captivities and that subordination of Israel to the Gentiles which still continues. See "Gentiles, times of" Lk 21:24 Rev 16:14. (4) The plea of the Remnant Isa 1:9 Rom 11:5 who urge the severity and long continuance of the chastening (Ps 89:38-52). See Psalm 102., next in order of the Messianic Psalms. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 89:19-37 The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a type of Christ, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the Holy Ghost without measure. David after his anointing, was persecuted, but none could gain advantage against him. Yet all this was a faint shadow of the Redeemer's sufferings, deliverance, glory, and authority, in whom alone these predictions and promises are fully brought to pass. He is the mighty God. This is the Redeemer appointed for us, who alone is able to complete the work of our salvation. Let us seek an interest in these blessings, by the witness of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. As the Lord corrected the posterity of David for their transgressions, so his people shall be corrected for their sins. Yet it is but a rod, not a sword; it is to correct, not to destroy. It is a rod in the hand of God, who is wise, and knows what he does; gracious, and will do what is best. It is a rod which they shall never feel, but when there is need. As the sun and moon remain in heaven, whatever changes there seem to be in them, and again appear in due season; so the covenant of grace made in Christ, whatever alteration seems to come to it, should not be questioned. | 
