What does Psalms 89:31 mean?
"If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;" - Psalms 89:31

Psalms 89:31 in the King James Version reads, "If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments." This verse is part of the larger passage of Psalm 89, which is a prayer of lament and petition for God's faithfulness and deliverance. The speaker in this psalm is reflecting on God's promises to David and his descendants and is expressing distress and confusion over the current state of affairs.
In this verse, the speaker is acknowledging the consequences for disobedience and violation of God's laws. The use of the conditional "if" suggests a conditional clause, where the breaking of God's statutes and commandments leads to certain outcomes. Through this verse, the speaker is highlighting the importance of obedience and reverence for God's laws, and the repercussions that come with disobedience.
One of the central themes in this verse is the idea of divine judgment and the consequences of disobedience. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous references to the importance of following God's laws and commandments, and the potential consequences for failing to do so. This verse serves as a reminder of the significance of moral and ethical conduct, as well as the belief in divine justice.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. In Psalm 89, the speaker is reflecting on the covenant God made with David, promising him an everlasting dynasty and kingdom. However, the current situation suggests that this covenant has been broken, and the speaker is grappling with the implications of this betrayal. This verse serves as a recognition of the failure to uphold the covenant and the resulting judgment from God.
Symbolism is also present in this verse, particularly in the use of "statutes" and "commandments" to represent God's moral and ethical laws. These terms are often used throughout the Bible to emphasize the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's principles. The breaking of these statutes and commandments signifies a departure from God's will and a turning away from righteousness.
In the larger context of Psalm 89, this verse serves as a moment of reflection and acknowledgment of the consequences of disobedience. It conveys a sense of humility and recognition of God's authority and justice. It also points to the theological concept of divine judgment and the reality that actions have ramifications, especially in the context of one's relationship with God.
In conclusion, Psalm 89:31 in the King James Version is a verse that holds deep theological and moral significance. It speaks to the importance of obedience to God's laws and the consequences of disobedience. The context of this verse within Psalm 89 highlights the speaker's distress over the apparent breaking of God's covenant with David. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and righteousness, as well as the belief in divine justice and judgment.
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Psalms 89:31 - "If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;"
"If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;" - Psalms 89:31
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 89:32 - "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 89:35 - "Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David."
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."