Thijs Booij, «Psalm 119,89-91», Vol. 79 (1998) 539-541

Verses 89-91 offer one of the few passages in Psalm 119, which show clear inner progress and coherence. The author here analyses some ideas and notions, which speak about the word whereby in heaven YHWH reigns over the world. He ends with a new translation of the passage.

but we may guess he thinks of the underground foundations which make the earth stand fast as a place of habitation (Isa 45,18; Job 38,6; Ps 24,2; 96,10); of mountains, valleys and all habitable regions, safely divided from the sea (Gen 1,9-10; Jer 5,22; Ps 74,17; 104,6-9); of springs and rivers, beneficial to plants and living beings (Ps 74,15; 104,10-11). All of these comply with YHWH’s will, "today" ¹¹ as when they were created, making the earth a habitable place "from generation to generation".

        The passage may be translated as follows:

⁸⁹ Forever, O Lord,
your word is in command in heaven;

⁹⁰ your faithfulness is from generation to generation,
you have established the earth, and it stands;

⁹¹ according to your statutes things stand to this day,
for they are all your servants.

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