What does Psalms 89:35 mean?
"Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David." - Psalms 89:35

The verse Psalms 89:35 from the King James Version of the Bible states, "Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David." This verse is a powerful declaration of God's faithfulness and unwavering commitment to keeping His promises. To truly understand the depth of this verse, we must dive into the context, themes, and symbolism surrounding it.
The book of Psalms is often referred to as the "hymnbook of the Bible," containing 150 poetic songs and prayers that express a wide range of emotions and experiences. Psalms 89, in particular, is a prayer attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite, and it reflects on the covenant God made with King David. This covenant, also known as the Davidic Covenant, is a promise that God made to David, ensuring that his descendants will always have a place on the throne of Israel. The covenant is referenced in the verse before Psalms 89:35, where it says, "My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips" (Psalms 89:34, KJV).
The context surrounding this verse is one of uncertainty and chaos. The psalmist is reflecting on the apparent absence of God's favor and protection for the Israelites, despite the promises made to David. The author is wrestling with the apparent contradiction between the promises of God and the current state of affairs. In the midst of this uncertainty, the psalmist clings to the unchanging nature of God's word and the faithfulness of His promises.
The theme of God's faithfulness and steadfastness is central to this verse. The author is seeking reassurance in the face of uncertainty, and the declaration that God will not lie to David serves as a powerful affirmation of God's unchanging character. The verse demonstrates the unwavering commitment and integrity of God, who remains true to His word and does not waver in His promises.
Furthermore, the symbolism in this verse lies in the concept of holiness. When God swears by His holiness, He emphasizes the sacred nature of His promise and the unbreakable integrity of His word. The use of the term "holiness" in this context serves to highlight the divine and untouchable nature of God's character, further reinforcing the reliability of His promises.
Ultimately, Psalms 89:35 serves as a powerful declaration of God's faithfulness and trustworthiness. It reminds believers of the unchanging nature of God's character and His unwavering commitment to keeping His promises. In the midst of uncertainty and chaos, this verse serves as a source of hope and assurance, grounding believers in the unchanging faithfulness of God.
In conclusion, Psalms 89:35 from the King James Version of the Bible is a profound declaration of God's unwavering commitment to keeping His promises. The verse speaks to the themes of God's faithfulness, steadfastness, and holiness, while also providing reassurance in the face of uncertainty. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the unchanging nature of God's character and His unbreakable integrity. It encourages believers to trust in the reliability of God's promises and find hope in His unchanging faithfulness.
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Psalms 89:35 - "Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David."
"Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David." - Psalms 89:35
Psalms 89:41 - "All that pass by the way spoil him: he is a reproach to his neighbours."
"Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen." - Psalms 89:52
Psalms 89:15 - "Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance."
"For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." - Psalms 119:89
Psalms 89:52 - "Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen."
Psalms 89:31 - "If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;"
Psalms 89:32 - "Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes."
Psalms 119:89 - "For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven."
Psalms 89:18 - "For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king."
Psalms 89:30 - "If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;"
Psalms 89:37 - "It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah."
"Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth." - Psalms 89:27
Psalms 89:27 - "Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth."
Psalms 89:36 - "His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me."
Psalms 89:16 - "In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted."
Psalms 89:25 - "I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers."
Psalms 89:17 - "For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted."
Psalms 89:22 - "The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him."
Psalms 89:34 - "My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips."
Psalms 89:21 - "With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him."
Psalms 89:29 - "His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven."
Psalms 89:13 - "Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand."
Psalms 89:7 - "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him."
Psalms 89:9 - "Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them."
Psalms 89:44 - "Thou hast made his glory to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground."
Psalms 89:38 - "But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed."
"His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven." - Psalms 89:29
Psalms 89:24 - "But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted."