What is the meaning of Psalm 89 verse 49?

Answer 1

Psalm 89 is traditionally thought to have been written by Ethan, during the reign of King David, on which basis some references do not make much sense, including the destruction of David's kingdom and the plaintive cry (verse 49) to the Lord, asking where is his lovingkindness now.

In fact, scholars say that the psalms were really written a period that included the Babylonian Exile and some two hundred years afterwards. Psalm 89 was written at a time when God seemed to have forsaken the Jewish people.

In this psalm, the author assures the Lord of his faithfulness, and reminds him that he had promised to make King David higher than the kings of the earth and his seed endure forever. But now, God has made void his covenant with David and made his enemies (the enemies of Judah) to rejoice. Then, in verse 46, the author asks God how long he will hide himself; in verse 49 he asks where is God's lovingkindness which he swore to David.