Psalms 89:15

Authorized King James Version

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַשְׁרֵ֣י
Blessed
happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!
#2
הָ֭עָם
is the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
יֹדְעֵ֣י
that know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#4
תְרוּעָ֑ה
the joyful sound
clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum
#5
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
בְּֽאוֹר
in the light
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#7
פָּנֶ֥יךָ
of thy countenance
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#8
יְהַלֵּכֽוּן׃
they shall walk
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection