Sin Has Its Consequences

Psalm 89:38-45

38But now you have rejected him.

Why are you so angry with the one you chose as king?

39You have renounced your covenant with him,

for you have thrown his crown in the dust.

40You have broken down the walls protecting him

and laid in ruins every fort defending him.

41Everyone who comes along has robbed him

while his neighbors mock.

42You have strengthened his enemies against him

and made them all rejoice.

43You have made his sword useless

and have refused to help him in battle.

44You have ended his splendor

and overturned his throne.

45You have made him old before his time

and publicly disgraced him.

Interlude

The tenth century B.C. was a glorious time for Israel. David’s military prowess expanded Israel’s borders, and Solomon’s wise diplomacy made the nation rich. For a few decades, anyway, Israel was one of the most powerful nations on earth.

But the glory didn’t last. When Solomon’s son Rehoboam assumed the throne, he rejected good advice and raised taxes, forcing his overworked people to work even harder. Because of this, ten northern tribes seceded and chose a man named Jeroboam to be their king.

Immediately, however, Jeroboam noticed a problem: His subjects had to travel into the southern kingdom to worship God in Jerusalem. So Jeroboam constructed some golden calves and encouraged the people to worship them instead. Rehoboam’s two tribes fell into idol worship as well.

From here the once-proud Israel went downhill fast. The ten northern tribes continued to turn away from God, and within two centuries they were obliterated as a nation. The glory years were decidedly over.

Psalm 89 bemoans the consequences of the nation’s sin. David’s dynasty had been rejected, the throne overturned. We know a little more of the story, however, for God restored the nation once again. Furthermore, in Jesus, David’s dynasty lives on, and the sin that ended Israel’s splendor met its own defeat at the cross and empty tomb.

Israel’s strength and consolation,

Hope of all the earth thou art.

Dear desire of every nation,

Joy of every longing heart.

CHARLES WESLEY

Notable Quotable

“God is faithful; his will must ultimately triumph; but whether or not we triumph depends upon how we relate ourselves to that will.”

W. GRAHAM SCROGGIE