How does Psalm 89:35 emphasize God's faithfulness to His promises?

◄ Psalm 89:35: God's promise faithfulness? ►

Verse at a glance

“Once and for all I have sworn by My holiness— I will not lie to David—” (Psalm 89:35)

Key words and phrases

• “Once and for all” – a single, decisive, irrevocable act

• “I have sworn” – a formal oath, binding and unbreakable

• “by My holiness” – God stakes the promise on His own flawless character

• “I will not lie” – absolute truthfulness, no possibility of deceit

• “to David” – the covenant line through which Messiah comes (2 Samuel 7:12-16)

Tracing the covenant promise

1. God established an everlasting covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:16).

2. Psalm 89 rehearses that covenant, even in the face of apparent setbacks (vv. 38-45).

3. Verse 35 anchors the psalmist’s confidence: God’s oath is final; His word cannot fail.

4. The promise finds ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Son of David (Luke 1:32-33).

God’s holiness tied to His word

• God’s holiness is His absolute moral purity and otherness (Isaiah 6:3).

• By swearing “by My holiness,” He links His reputation to the promise—if He broke it, He would cease to be holy, which is impossible.

• Numbers 23:19 echoes the thought: “God is not a man, that He should lie….”

• Hebrews 6:17-18 says God’s oath and promise are “two unchangeable things” making it “impossible for God to lie.”

Implications for us today

• Every promise in Scripture stands on the same immutable character (2 Corinthians 1:20).

• When circumstances seem to contradict God’s word, Psalm 89:35 invites us to trust His sworn oath.

• Our assurance of salvation rests on the same faithfulness (John 10:28-29; 1 John 5:13).

• God’s unwavering truthfulness calls us to mirror His integrity in our own speech (Ephesians 4:25).

Supporting Scriptures

• 1 Kings 8:24 – Solomon praises God for keeping the promise to David.

• Psalm 119:89 – “Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens.”

• Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Great is Your faithfulness.”

• Revelation 19:11 – Christ is called “Faithful and True,” the living fulfillment of every divine promise.