Psalms 89:44

Authorized King James Version

Thou hast made his glory to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִשְׁבַּ֥תָּ
to cease
to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
#2
מִטְּהָר֑וֹ
Thou hast made his glory
literally brightness; ceremonially purification
#3
וְ֝כִסְא֗וֹ
his throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#4
לָאָ֥רֶץ
to the ground
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
מִגַּֽרְתָּה׃
and cast
to yield up; intensively, to precipitate

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of glory reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection