And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "firstborn" here isn't just about being the eldest son; it signifies a unique status of privilege and honor, elevating this king above all others. This divine adoption and exaltation, while applied to David as a representative, ultimately points beyond him to Christ, who truly embodies this supreme dignity.
And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is God's direct response to the plea in the previous verse where the king called God "my Father." Here, God promises to elevate this chosen king, making him His "firstborn" and positioning him above all earthly rulers. While this was a promise that partially applied to David and his lineage, the ultimate fulfillment is reserved for the Messiah, who reigns as King of kings.
When God calls someone 'firstborn,' it's more than just birth order. It signifies special honor, unique privilege, and a primary position.
In the Old Testament, the 'firstborn' son held a special place. He often received a double portion of inheritance and had a unique status within the family.
When God declares in this verse, 'I will make him my firstborn,' He's not just referring to biological lineage. This title signifies:
While this promise was applied to David and his successors, the scholars note that it finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is truly God's unique and preeminent Son.
David was a powerful king, but this verse promises something far greater – a supremacy that transcends all earthly rulers.
The psalmist proclaims, 'higher than the kings of the earth.' This isn't just about military might or political influence, though David certainly excelled in those areas.
This declaration speaks to:
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Understand the original words
bĕkôr · Hebrew Noun
A position of preeminence, priority, and inheritance rights. In this context, it refers to the status of a son who holds authority and privilege over others, often used messianically to designate Christ's supreme authority.
This psalm looks to King David and his unique, divinely appointed status, recognizing him as God's 'firstborn' and 'highest of the kings.' While the promises applied to David and his descendants, the psalm also points beyond them, anticipating the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true King of kings.
c. 1040 BC— this verse
David Anointed King
Samuel anoints David, the youngest son of Jesse, as king over Israel, a pivotal moment that sets the stage for his future reign and the promises made to his lineage.
c. 1010-970 BC
David's Reign as King
David establishes a powerful and unified kingdom, expanding its borders and consolidating his rule. His success and God's covenant with him are central to the themes of Psalm 89.
c. 970 BC
Death of David
David's death marks the end of a golden age for Israel. The promises of an everlasting dynasty, spoken of in Psalm 89, are now tied to his successors.
970 BC onwards
Davidic Dynasty Continues
Solomon and subsequent kings rule Israel, inheriting David's throne. While some kings experience periods of prosperity, none fully embody the everlasting covenant promised.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
The Babylonian conquest leads to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, signifying a deep crisis for the Davidic monarchy and the covenant promises.
This passage speaks of Israel as God's 'firstborn son,' echoing the special, privileged status promised in Psalms 89:27.
Jeremiah 31:9Here, God calls Ephraim His 'firstborn,' further illustrating how this title in the Old Testament signifies a beloved, chosen entity, not necessarily a literal first son.
Colossians 1:15This New Testament passage directly refers to Jesus as 'the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation,' drawing a direct line from the kingly promise in Psalms to Christ's supreme authority.
Colossians 1:18This verse identifies Jesus as 'the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be foremost,' connecting the idea of preeminence and highest honor to Christ, fulfilling the spirit of being 'higher than the kings of the earth.'
Revelation 1:5This verse calls Jesus 'the ruler of the kings of the earth,' directly echoing and fulfilling the promise that the one spoken of in Psalms 89:27 would be 'higher than the kings of the earth.'
bensonPsalms 89:27: "Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth."
Psalm 89:27 . I will make him my firstborn — As he calls me father, so I will make him my son, yea, my firstborn; the firstborn had divers privileges above other sons. This and the following passage, in some sort, agree to David, but are much more fully and properly accomplished in Christ, and seem to be ascribed to David here chiefly as he was a type of Christ, and that the mind of the reader might be led th…
clarkePsalms 89:27: "Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth."
I will make him my first-born - I will deal with him as a father by his first-born son, to whom a double portion of possessions and honors belong. First-born. is not always to be understood literally in Scripture. It often signifies simply a well-beloved, or best-beloved son; one preferred to all the rest, and distinguished by some eminent prerogative. Thus God calls Israel his son, his first-born, Exodus 4:2…
The phrase "firstborn" here isn't just about being the eldest son; it signifies a unique status of privilege and honor, elevating this king above all others. This divine adoption and exaltation, while applied to David as a representative, ultimately points beyond him to Christ, who truly embodies this supreme dignity.
This passage is God's direct response to the plea in the previous verse where the king called God "my Father." Here, God promises to elevate this chosen king, making him His "firstborn" and positioning him above all earthly rulers. While this was a promise that partially applied to David and his lineage, the ultimate fulfillment is reserved for the Messiah, who reigns as King of kings.
This passage is God's direct response to the plea in the previous verse where the king called God "my Father." Here, God promises to elevate this chosen king, making him His "firstborn" and positioning him above all earthly rulers. While this was a promise that partially applied to David and his lineage, the ultimate fulfillment is reserved for the Messiah, who reigns as King of kings.
"And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth." — The phrase "firstborn" here isn't just about being the eldest son; it signifies a unique status of privilege and honor, elevating this king above all others. This divine adoption and exaltation, whil…
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Last reviewed October 2026