Psalms 89:25

25 And I shall set his hand in the sea; and his right hand in floods. (And I shall extend his power unto the Mediterranean Sea; and his right hand unto the Euphrates River.)

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 And I shall slay his enemies from his face; and I shall turn into flight them that hate him. (And I shall kill all his enemies before his face; and I shall turn to flight, or make to flee, those who hate him.)
24 And my truth and mercy shall be with him; and his horn shall be enhanced in my name. (And my faithfulness and love shall be with him; and in my name his horn shall be exalted/his head shall be lifted up on high.)
25 And I shall set his hand in the sea; and his right hand in floods. (And I shall extend his power unto the Mediterranean Sea; and his right hand unto the Euphrates River.)
26 He shall inwardly call me, (saying,) Thou art my father; my God, and the up-taker of mine health. (And he shall say to me, Thou art my father; yea, my God, and my defender, my saviour.)
27 And I shall set him the first begotten son; higher than the kings of earth. (And I shall make him my first-born son; higher than all the kings of the earth.)
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.