Psalms 89:3
I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,
Original Language Analysis
כָּרַ֣תִּֽי
I have made
H3772
כָּרַ֣תִּֽי
I have made
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
1 of 6
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
בְ֭רִית
a covenant
H1285
בְ֭רִית
a covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
2 of 6
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
נִ֝שְׁבַּ֗עְתִּי
I have sworn
H7650
נִ֝שְׁבַּ֗עְתִּי
I have sworn
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
4 of 6
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
Cross References
Psalms 132:11The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.Jeremiah 30:9But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.Matthew 3:17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.1 Kings 8:16Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that my name might be therein; but I chose David to be over my people Israel.2 Samuel 23:5Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.
Historical Context
The Davidic covenant was established around 1000 BC after David brought the ark to Jerusalem. Unlike conditional covenants (Mosaic law), this was an unconditional royal grant—God's promise to maintain David's line regardless of individual failures, pointing forward to the eternal reign of Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's initiative in 'cutting' covenant with David teach about grace versus human effort in salvation?
- How does the dual imagery of David as both 'chosen' and 'servant' shape your understanding of Christian calling?
- In what ways does Jesus fulfill both the servant and kingship aspects of this covenant?
Analysis & Commentary
I have made a covenant with my chosen (כָּרַתִּי בְרִית לִבְחִירִי)—The verb karat (to cut) recalls the ancient covenant ceremony where animals were cut and parties passed between the pieces (Genesis 15:17-18). God initiated this unilateral covenant with David, His bachir (chosen one). I have sworn unto David my servant (נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי לְדָוִד עַבְדִּי)—The divine oath (shaba) adds solemn gravity; God stakes His own name and character on this promise.
This covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16) promised David an eternal dynasty, fulfilled ultimately in Christ, the Son of David (Matthew 1:1). The term 'my servant' (avdi) connects to the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53, linking David's line to the Messiah who would serve through sacrifice. Hebrews 6:13-18 affirms that God's oath makes His promise 'unchangeable.'