Psalms 89:19

Authorized King James Version

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Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.

Original Language Analysis

אָ֤ז H227
אָ֤ז
Strong's: H227
Word #: 1 of 12
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
דִּבַּ֥רְתָּֽ Then thou spakest H1696
דִּבַּ֥רְתָּֽ Then thou spakest
Strong's: H1696
Word #: 2 of 12
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְחָ֡זוֹן in vision H2377
בְחָ֡זוֹן in vision
Strong's: H2377
Word #: 3 of 12
a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle
לַֽחֲסִידֶ֗יךָ to thy holy one H2623
לַֽחֲסִידֶ֗יךָ to thy holy one
Strong's: H2623
Word #: 4 of 12
properly, kind, i.e., (religiously) pious (a saint)
וַתֹּ֗אמֶר and saidst H559
וַתֹּ֗אמֶר and saidst
Strong's: H559
Word #: 5 of 12
to say (used with great latitude)
שִׁוִּ֣יתִי I have laid H7737
שִׁוִּ֣יתִי I have laid
Strong's: H7737
Word #: 6 of 12
properly, to level, i.e., equalize; figuratively, to resemble; by implication, to adjust (i.e., counterbalance, be suitable, compose, place, yield, et
עֵ֭זֶר help H5828
עֵ֭זֶר help
Strong's: H5828
Word #: 7 of 12
aid
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 8 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
גִּבּ֑וֹר upon one that is mighty H1368
גִּבּ֑וֹר upon one that is mighty
Strong's: H1368
Word #: 9 of 12
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
הֲרִימ֖וֹתִי I have exalted H7311
הֲרִימ֖וֹתִי I have exalted
Strong's: H7311
Word #: 10 of 12
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
בָח֣וּר H970
בָח֣וּר
Strong's: H970
Word #: 11 of 12
properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)
מֵעָֽם׃ out of the people H5971
מֵעָֽם׃ out of the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 12 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis & Commentary

Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people. This verse recalls God's revelation through the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 7:4-17), where God promised David an eternal dynasty. The phrase "in vision" (ḥāzôn, חָזוֹן) indicates prophetic revelation, the same term used for Isaiah and other major prophets' revelations. God speaks to thy holy one—likely Nathan, though plural "holy ones" (ḥăsîdîm, חֲסִידִים) could refer to faithful prophets or saints who received this revelation.

I have laid help upon one that is mighty uses the Hebrew šiwwîtî ʿēzer (שִׁוִּיתִי עֵזֶר), literally "I have placed help." The "mighty one" (gibbôr, גִּבּוֹר) refers to David the warrior-king, chosen not for his strength but given divine strength. I have exalted one chosen employs bāḥîr (בָּחִיר), emphasizing God's sovereign election. This "choosing from among the people" recalls David's humble origins as the youngest son, a shepherd—God's pattern of choosing the weak to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27).

This verse establishes divine initiative in the Davidic covenant. God chose, God exalted, God provided strength. The ultimate fulfillment is Christ, the mighty one laid as our help (Isaiah 42:1), the chosen one exalted from among humanity yet divine.

Historical Context

This verse refers to the prophetic word given through Nathan around 1000 BCE, after David had conquered Jerusalem and desired to build God a temple (2 Samuel 7). Instead of David building God a house, God promised to build David a house—a dynasty. This oracle became foundational to Israel's royal theology and messianic hope. Written during or after the exile when the Davidic monarchy had fallen, Psalm 89 wrestles with how God's promises could still stand when no Davidic king ruled.

Questions for Reflection