Psalms 89:14
Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.
Original Language Analysis
צֶ֣דֶק
Justice
H6664
צֶ֣דֶק
Justice
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
1 of 8
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
וּ֭מִשְׁפָּט
and judgment
H4941
וּ֭מִשְׁפָּט
and judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
מְכ֣וֹן
are the habitation
H4349
מְכ֣וֹן
are the habitation
Strong's:
H4349
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, a fixture, i.e., a basis; generally a place, especially as an abode
כִּסְאֶ֑ךָ
of thy throne
H3678
כִּסְאֶ֑ךָ
of thy throne
Strong's:
H3678
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
חֶ֥סֶד
mercy
H2617
חֶ֥סֶד
mercy
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
5 of 8
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
וֶ֝אֱמֶ֗ת
and truth
H571
וֶ֝אֱמֶ֗ת
and truth
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
6 of 8
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
Cross References
Psalms 97:2Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.Proverbs 16:12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.Psalms 85:13Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.Psalms 99:4The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.Psalms 145:17The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.Deuteronomy 32:4He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.Revelation 15:3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.Psalms 89:2For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.John 1:17For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Historical Context
This verse celebrates the Davidic covenant, grounding the king's rule in God's character. Human kingship was meant to image divine kingship—ruling with justice and mercy. Israel's kings failed this standard, but Christ fulfills it perfectly, ruling righteously while extending grace. Revelation 4-5 depicts heaven's throne similarly: holy justice and sacrificial mercy united.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's throne being founded on justice prevent sentimentality that ignores sin's seriousness?
- How does mercy and truth "going before" God's face demonstrate that grace isn't afterthought but essential to His nature?
- In what ways does Christ's reign perfectly combine justice and mercy, and how should this shape Christian leadership?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes God's throne: "Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face" (Hebrew tzedeq u-mishpat m-khon kis-ekha chesed v-emet y-qad-mu paneycha). The "habitation" (foundation) of God's rule is "justice and judgment"—His governance is absolutely righteous. Yet "mercy and truth" (covenant love and faithfulness) "go before His face" like heralds announcing a king. God's justice doesn't exclude mercy; His righteousness doesn't negate grace. Both are essential to His character and rule. This verse parallels 85:10 in harmonizing seemingly contradictory attributes.