Psalms 89:3-5

89:3 The Lord said, ¹ 

“I have made a covenant with my chosen one;

I have made a promise on oath to David, my servant:

89:4 ‘I will give you an eternal dynasty ² 

and establish your throne throughout future generations.’” ³  (Selah)

89:5 O Lord, the heavens ⁴  praise your amazing deeds,

as well as your faithfulness in the angelic assembly. ⁵ 

[89:3]  ¹ tn The words “the Lord said” are supplied in the translation for clarification. It is clear that the words of vv. 3-4 are spoken by the Lord, in contrast to vv. 1-2, which are spoken by the psalmist.

[89:4]  ² tn Heb “forever I will establish your offspring.”

[89:4]  ³ tn Heb “and I will build to a generation and a generation your throne.”

[89:5]  ⁴ tn As the following context makes clear, the personified “heavens” here stand by metonymy for the angelic beings that surround God’s heavenly throne.

[89:5]  ⁵ tn Heb “in the assembly of the holy ones.” The phrase “holy ones” sometimes refers to God’s people (Ps 34:9) or to their priestly leaders (2 Chr 35:3), but here it refers to God’s heavenly assembly and the angels that surround his throne (see vv. 6-7).