Psalms 89:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 89:17
17 For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted.
Chapter Context
Psalms 89 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, covenant, righteousness. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-52: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 89:17
17 For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted.
Analysis
For thou art the glory of their strength (כִּי־תִפְאֶרֶת עֻזָּמֹו אָתָּה)—God Himself is the tiferet (glory, beauty, splendor) of their oz (strength, might). Any power Israel possesses is merely reflection of God's glory. And in thy favour our horn shall be exalted (וּבִרְצֹונְךָ תָּרוּם קַרְנֵנוּ)—The qeren (horn) symbolizes power and dignity; through God's ratzon (favor, good pleasure, will) alone is it rum (lifted high).
The horn imagery connects to 1 Samuel 2:10 (Hannah's prayer) and Luke 1:69 ('raised up a horn of salvation... in the house of David'). Christ is the ultimate 'horn of salvation'—all authority given to Him by the Father's favor (Matthew 28:18). Believers have no strength or glory apart from union with Christ; our only boast is in the cross (Galatians 6:14). God's favor (grace) elevates what deserves nothing.
Historical Context
Horns were symbols of strength and royal power (Daniel 7-8 uses horns for kingdoms). For Israel, the horn represented military and political might, but the psalm insists these derive entirely from God's favor, not human prowess. This theology prevented national pride and pointed to the Messiah as the true source of strength.
Reflection
- What 'strength' in your life (talents, resources, influence) do you wrongly treat as personal achievement rather than reflection of God's glory?
- How does understanding that your 'horn is exalted' only by God's favor change your ambitions and goals?
- In what practical ways can you make God—not your abilities—the glory of your strength?