If his sons forsake My law
This phrase refers to the descendants of David, highlighting the conditional aspect of God's covenant with David's lineage. The "law" here is the Torah, the divine instructions given to Israel. Forsaking the law implies a deliberate turning away from God's commandments, which was a recurring issue in Israel's history, leading to periods of judgment and exile. This reflects the covenantal relationship where obedience brings blessing, and disobedience brings consequences, as seen in Deuteronomy 28.

and do not walk in My judgments
"Walk" is a metaphor for living one's life according to God's standards. "Judgments" refer to God's decrees and decisions, which are meant to guide the moral and ethical conduct of His people. The failure to walk in God's judgments suggests a lifestyle that disregards divine justice and righteousness. This is reminiscent of the warnings given to Israel in the wilderness and the subsequent history of the kings of Israel and Judah, where deviation from God's ways led to national decline. The phrase underscores the importance of living in accordance with God's will, a theme echoed in the wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, and the prophetic calls to repentance.

1. Ethan the Ezrahite
The author of Psalm 89, who is traditionally understood to be a wise man during the time of King Solomon. This psalm is a contemplation on God's covenant with David.

2. David
The psalm reflects on God's covenant with David, promising that his descendants would continue to rule as long as they remained faithful to God's law.

3. Sons of David
Refers to the descendants of King David, who are expected to follow God's law and judgments to maintain the covenant blessings.

4. God's Law
The divine commandments and statutes given to the Israelites, which are central to the covenant relationship between God and His people.

5. Judgments
Refers to God's ordinances and decisions, which are to be followed by the people as part of their covenantal obligations.The Importance of Obedience
God's promises often come with conditions that require our obedience. Just as David's descendants were expected to follow God's law, we too are called to live in accordance with His Word.

Generational Faithfulness
The faithfulness of one generation impacts the next. Parents and leaders have a responsibility to teach and model God's statutes to ensure the continuation of His blessings.

Consequences of Forsaking God's Law
Turning away from God's commandments leads to negative consequences. This serves as a warning to remain steadfast in our faith and practice.

Covenantal Relationship
Our relationship with God is based on a covenant that requires mutual commitment. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of God's promises and our role in them.

Repentance and Restoration
Even if we stray, God offers a path to return through repentance. His mercy allows for restoration when we realign with His will.(30-33) An elaboration of 2Samuel 7:14-15, and evidently made with a purpose. The poet acknowledges the sin of Israel in past times, but also regards the sufferings of the exile as having been the punishment foretold by them. Hence the sin has been expiated, and the perplexity arises why Israel is still afflicted.

Verse 30. - If his children forsake my Law, and walk not in my judgments (comp. 2 Samuel 7:14, "If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men"). Solomon himself began the falling away (1 Kings 11:1-8). He was followed by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 12:1), Ahaziah (2 Kings 8:27), Joash (2 Chronicles 24:17-24), Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16-20), Ahaz (2 Kings 16:2-18), Manasseh (2 Kings 21:2-16), Amon (2 Kings 21:20-22), Jehoahaz (2 Kings 23:32), Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:37), Jehoiachin (2 Kings 24:9), and Zedekiah (2 Kings 24:19), all of whom "did evil in the sight of the Lord" - forsook his Law, and walked not in has judgments.

Parallel Commentaries ...


If
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

his sons
בָ֭נָיו (ḇā·nāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

forsake
יַֽעַזְב֣וּ (ya·‘az·ḇū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5800: To loosen, relinquish, permit

My law
תּוֹרָתִ֑י (tō·w·rā·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law

and do not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

walk
יֵלֵכֽוּן׃ (yê·lê·ḵūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

in My judgments,
וּ֝בְמִשְׁפָּטַ֗י (ū·ḇə·miš·pā·ṭay)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style


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OT Poetry: Psalm 89:30 If his children forsake my law (Psalm Ps Psa.)