Psalm 89:46

How long, O LORD? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath keep burning like fire?

Study Bible

How long, O LORD?
This phrase is a heartfelt cry of lament and longing. The Hebrew root for "How long" is "עַד־מָתַי" (ad-matai), which expresses a deep yearning for relief and understanding. It reflects the human condition of waiting and the struggle with divine timing. Historically, this cry is common in the Psalms, where the psalmist seeks God's intervention amidst prolonged suffering. It is a reminder of the faithfulness required in waiting on God's perfect timing, encouraging believers to trust in His sovereignty even when His plans are not immediately visible.

Will You hide Yourself forever?
The concept of God "hiding" Himself is rooted in the Hebrew word "תַּסְתִּיר" (tastir), suggesting a perceived absence of God's presence or favor. This phrase captures the anguish of feeling abandoned by God, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament, especially during times of national crisis or personal distress. Historically, the Israelites experienced periods where they felt God was distant, such as during the Babylonian exile. This serves as a powerful reminder that even when God seems hidden, His covenant promises remain steadfast, and His presence is assured to those who seek Him earnestly.

Will Your wrath keep burning like fire?
The imagery of God's "wrath" burning "like fire" is vivid and intense, drawing from the Hebrew "אַף" (aph) for wrath and "כָּאֵשׁ" (ka'esh) for fire. Fire, in biblical terms, often symbolizes purification, judgment, and the consuming nature of God's holiness. This phrase reflects the psalmist's awareness of God's righteous anger against sin and the consequences of disobedience. Historically, Israel faced divine discipline when they strayed from God's commandments. For the believer, this serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance, while also pointing to the hope of restoration and forgiveness through God's mercy and grace.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ethan the Ezrahite
The author of Psalm 89, traditionally believed to be a wise man during the time of King Solomon. He is credited with writing this psalm, which is a contemplation on God's promises and faithfulness.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is addressed directly in this verse. The psalmist is appealing to God's character and promises.

3. Israel
The nation to whom the promises of God were made, and who is experiencing a period of distress and divine displeasure at the time of this psalm.

4. Davidic Covenant
The promise made by God to King David, ensuring that his descendants would sit on the throne of Israel. This covenant is central to the lament in Psalm 89, as the psalmist questions the apparent delay in its fulfillment.

5. Divine Wrath
The expression of God's righteous anger, which the psalmist perceives as ongoing and asks about its duration.

Teaching Points

Understanding Divine Timing
God's timing often differs from human expectations. Trust in His perfect plan, even when His presence seems hidden.

The Nature of Lament
Lament is a biblical way to express grief and confusion. It is an act of faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty while seeking His intervention.

The Assurance of God's Promises
Despite current circumstances, God's promises remain true. Reflect on His faithfulness throughout history as a source of hope.

The Role of Divine Discipline
God's wrath is not arbitrary but serves a purpose in His divine plan. It is a call to repentance and a reminder of His holiness.

Seeking God's Presence
In times of distress, actively seek God's presence through prayer and scripture, trusting that He hears and responds.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the psalmist's question in Psalm 89:46 reflect a common human experience of feeling abandoned by God? Can you relate to this feeling in your own life?

2. In what ways does the Davidic Covenant provide a foundation for the psalmist's lament? How does this covenant relate to the promises we have in Christ?

3. How can the practice of lament, as seen in Psalm 89:46, be a healthy part of your spiritual life? What are some ways you can incorporate lament into your prayer life?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt God's wrath or discipline in your life. How did that experience lead you to a deeper understanding of His character?

5. Considering the connections to other scriptures, how can you find hope in God's promises during times of waiting or suffering? What specific promises from the Bible can you hold onto?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Lamentations 5:20
Similar to Psalm 89:46, this verse questions God's apparent absence and the enduring nature of His anger, reflecting a common theme of lament in the Old Testament.

Habakkuk 1:2
The prophet Habakkuk also questions how long God will allow suffering and injustice to continue, echoing the psalmist's cry for divine intervention.

2 Samuel 7:12-16
The Davidic Covenant is outlined here, providing the backdrop for the psalmist's lament over the perceived delay in its fulfillment.

Isaiah 54:7-8
These verses offer reassurance that God's anger is temporary and His compassion will ultimately prevail, providing hope in the context of divine wrath.