Psalms 89:25

25 I will set his hand on the sea and his right hand on the rivers.

Psalms 89:25 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 89:25

I will set his hand also in the sea
Which is expressive not of his dominion over the sea, and of his power and authority over all things in it, which: he has by right of creation, and as Mediator, ( Psalms 8:5-7 ) , of which there were instances in the days of his flesh, ( Matthew 8:26 Matthew 8:27 ) ( 17:27 ) , but of his kingdom taking place in, and of his government over the inhabitants of the isles of the sea; and so the Targum,

``I will set or place his government in the provinces of the sea;''

and which has been remarkably accomplished in our isles, where his Gospel has been preached, his kingdom set up, and he has had a race of subjects, and a seed, to serve him for many years:

and his right hand in the rivers:
or, as the Targum,

``the power of his right hand in those that dwell by rivers;''

meaning such that dwell upon the continent, afar off from the sea, and whose countries are watered by rivers: so that both phrases denote the extent of Christ's kingdom in the continent, and in the islands of the sea; signifying, that it should reach everywhere, and be from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth, ( Psalms 72:8 ) . Compare with this ( Revelation 10:1 Revelation 10:2 ) . Aben Ezra interprets it of David's prevailing over those that go in ships in the sea, and in rivers.

Psalms 89:25 In-Context

23 I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him.
24 My faithfulness and steadfast love shall be with him; and in my name his horn shall be exalted.
25 I will set his hand on the sea and his right hand on the rivers.
26 He shall cry to me, "You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation!'
27 I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.