Ps. 89.14 (the throne and the attendants)

Righteousness and justice / are the foundations /of your throne
loyal-love and faithfulness / stand before you.

From the arm to the hand and now to the throne. What we saw in the previous verse was the all-encompassing, and encompassed, power of Yhwh through his arm and upraised hand. Both images pointed toward a total dominion or authority over his enemies. The focus is ‘enemy-focused’. Here, the imagery shifts to the ‘throne’ of Yhwh and instead of being ‘other focused’ it now looks toward Yhwh and the force of his presence. The ‘arm and the hand’ give a sense of his momentum ‘toward’, while the throne envisions him seated and ‘gathered’ in himself. The ‘arm and hand’ do give a sense of the ‘responsiveness’ of Yhwh to threats. These are ‘enemy-powers’ of Yhwh that are enacted to ‘still the waters’ (vs. ) and forces of chaos when they rise. The throne, however, is the ‘abiding’ establishment of Yhwh over and within creation. It is what ‘holds creation in place’, in a right order and justice. It is more constant than that of the ‘arm and hand’, which is why it is a less ‘mobile’ and more stable image. The hand is always ready to strike, while the throne is always-already exerting its power. In both verses, however, there is the clear sense that Yhwh is ‘surrounded’ by his power, that there is no remainder to his presence, no threat to his sovereignty. The arm is “enclosed” and the hand is (perpetually?) raised. Here, the throne’s foundations are righteousness and justice and “loyal-love and faithfulness” are before him. The throne and his presence are as ‘enclosed’ with justice and right order as the arm is enclosed with power. 

This power of governance and order is now entirely localized as the pedestal of the throne of Yhwh: justice and righteousness are the divinely established orders that sustain Yhwh’s sovereign rule over creation. So, these qualities are that which are beneath Yhwh’s throne. In front of this throne (“before you”) stand “loyal-love and faithfulness”. These are the mobile qualities of those powers that sustain the throne. They are the enactment of justice and righteousness. It is a fascinating image, as the psalmist captures both the sense of complete and utter stability (foundations of the throne) and mobility (attendants ready to do his bidding). These forces are ‘harmonized’ by the presence of Yhwh on the throne—he who sits upon the throne and yet who orders his attendants to enact his justice and righteousness. We should note that Yhwh is not pictured—only his throne and his attendants (we could be tempted to say he transcends both the immobile and mobile qualities and that, in this, we find a kindred spirit to Ezekiel who envisions to lightning fast throne of Yhwh…). As such, Yhwh is the supremely immobile mover.  

 And, finally, it is of course essential to note that these qualities are being deployed because of how they will interact with David. Yhwh will ordain that David’s throne ‘last forever’ (vs. 29) and these constant attendants—loyal-love and faithfulness—will be what sustains David’s rule (vs. 28, 33). Through the covenant, these qualities of Yhwh will flow into the Davidic lineage; the Davidic king will do on earth what Yhwh does in heaven.