Psalm 89:48 - I Will Sing of His Love Forever
What man can live and never see death?
This rhetorical question emphasizes the inevitability of death for all humanity, a theme consistent throughout Scripture. In Genesis 3:19, the curse of death is pronounced upon Adam and his descendants due to sin. Ecclesiastes 3:2 and Hebrews 9:27 affirm that there is a time to be born and a time to die, underscoring the universality of death. The question also highlights human mortality in contrast to God's eternal nature, as seen in Psalm 90:2. This phrase invites reflection on the transient nature of life and the need for divine intervention for eternal life, pointing towards the hope of resurrection found in 1 Corinthians 15:22.
Can he deliver his soul from the power of Sheol?
Sheol, in the Hebrew context, refers to the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and separation from the living. The question implies human inability to escape death's grip through personal effort or merit. This aligns with Job 14:14, where Job questions the possibility of life after death. The power of Sheol is a reminder of the consequences of sin, as described in Romans 6:23. However, the New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ has conquered death and Sheol, offering deliverance through His resurrection (Revelation 1:18). This deliverance is a central tenet of Christian faith, providing hope for eternal life through Christ.
Selah
The term "Selah" is often interpreted as a pause for contemplation or reflection, inviting the reader to meditate on the profound truths just expressed. It serves as a moment to consider the weight of human mortality and the hope of divine salvation. In the context of the Psalms, "Selah" encourages deeper engagement with the text, prompting believers to trust in God's promises and the assurance of life beyond death through faith in Jesus Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Ethan the Ezrahite
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 89, Ethan was a wise man during the time of King Solomon. His psalm reflects on God's covenant with David and the apparent contradiction of current suffering.
2. Sheol
In Hebrew thought, Sheol is the realm of the dead, a place where souls go after death. It is often depicted as a shadowy existence, separate from the living.
3. Davidic Covenant
The promise God made to David, ensuring that his lineage would endure forever. Psalm 89 reflects on this covenant and the seeming contradiction of Israel's current struggles.
Teaching Points
The Inevitability of Death
Every human being faces the certainty of death. This reality should lead us to reflect on our lives and our relationship with God.
The Power of Sheol
Sheol represents the power of death, a force that no human can escape on their own. This highlights our need for a Savior who can deliver us from death.
Hope in Christ
While death is inevitable, Christians have hope in Jesus Christ, who conquered death and offers eternal life to those who believe in Him.
Reflecting on Mortality
Understanding our mortality should inspire us to live purposefully and align our lives with God's will, seeking His guidance and strength.
The Assurance of Salvation
Believers can find comfort in the assurance of salvation through Christ, who has delivered us from the power of Sheol and given us the promise of eternal life.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 89Does the emphasis on Sheol in Psalm 49 conflict with other biblical descriptions of the afterlife, creating internal inconsistencies?What happens to the rich and poor after death?Hebrews 11:5 – If Enoch never saw death, how can this be reconciled with the universal human mortality observed throughout history? In Job 24:19-20, is the depiction of the grave consuming sinners consistent with or contradictory to other Old Testament views on divine judgment?
(48) What man.--Rather, What hero, or champion, or great man. The word is used of a king (Jeremiah 22:30; comp. Isaiah 22:17). The verse repeats a common poetic theme:--
"Pallida mors aequo pulsat pede pauperum tabernas,
Regumque turres."--HORACE, I. Od. iv.
The hand of the grave.--Rather, of the underworld, "hand" being used for "power."
Verse 48. - What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? An expansion of the first clause of ver. 47. Man's littleness, feebleness, and fleetingness should draw forth the pity and loving kindness of God. Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
What
מִ֤י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix
man
גֶ֣בֶר (ḡe·ḇer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1397: A valiant man, warrior, a person simply
can live
יִֽ֭חְיֶה (yiḥ·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2421: To live, to revive
and never
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no
see
יִרְאֶה־ (yir·’eh-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see
death?
מָּ֑וֶת (mā·weṯ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin
Can he deliver
יְמַלֵּ֨ט (yə·mal·lêṭ)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4422: To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks
his soul
נַפְשׁ֖וֹ (nap̄·šōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion
from the power
מִיַּד־ (mî·yaḏ-)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand
of Sheol?
שְׁא֣וֹל (šə·’ō·wl)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 7585: Underworld (place to which people descend at death)
Selah
סֶֽלָה׃ (se·lāh)
Interjection
Strong's 5542: Suspension, pause
Links
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Psalm 89:48 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 89:48 What man is he who shall live (Psalm Ps Psa.)