God is worthy of profound reverence, reminding us that all creation stands in awe before Him.
“A God greatly feared in the council of the holy ones, And awesome above all those who are around Him” (v.7) highlights the transcendent majesty of the Lord, set high above every spiritual and earthly gathering. The phrase “greatly feared in the council of the holy ones” (v.7) offers a vivid picture of God’s heavenly entourage—often understood as the celestial beings who surround His throne. These beings, though pure and powerful in their own right, acknowledge the Creator with profound reverence. This verse reminds us that even the most awe-inspiring spirits must yield to the Almighty’s supremacy, just as earthly rulers bow in deference to the King of kings. In the New Testament, we see a similar image around God’s throne, as heavenly creatures continuously honor God’s holiness (Revelation 4:8).
The words “And awesome above all those who are around Him” (v.7) underscore that no created being, however glorious or exalted, can match the Lord's splendor. This greatness is meant not to terrify us without reason, but to urge us toward a righteous, worshipful fear—recognizing God’s authority to judge and His mercy to save. We see a parallel in Jesus’ exaltation at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3), where He shares in this same deserving of holy awe. The awe of God, properly understood, produces humility and gratitude, prompting believers to serve Him in sincerity and truth (Joshua 24:14) and to trust in His faithful character.
Because this psalm is attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite (Psalm 89:1), it places the text around the time when Davidic psalms were being collected and sung in Israel’s worship—roughly 10th or 9th century BC. Though no specific city is named in this verse, these words were likely central to the communal worship held in Jerusalem, the spiritual and political heart of ancient Israel, especially after King David established it as the capital around 1003 BC. The invitation to revere the Lord stands as timeless counsel for any generation seeking to know the One who is unchangeable in holiness and majesty.
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Psalms 89:7 meaning
“A God greatly feared in the council of the holy ones, And awesome above all those who are around Him” (v.7) highlights the transcendent majesty of the Lord, set high above every spiritual and earthly gathering. The phrase “greatly feared in the council of the holy ones” (v.7) offers a vivid picture of God’s heavenly entourage—often understood as the celestial beings who surround His throne. These beings, though pure and powerful in their own right, acknowledge the Creator with profound reverence. This verse reminds us that even the most awe-inspiring spirits must yield to the Almighty’s supremacy, just as earthly rulers bow in deference to the King of kings. In the New Testament, we see a similar image around God’s throne, as heavenly creatures continuously honor God’s holiness (Revelation 4:8).
The words “And awesome above all those who are around Him” (v.7) underscore that no created being, however glorious or exalted, can match the Lord's splendor. This greatness is meant not to terrify us without reason, but to urge us toward a righteous, worshipful fear—recognizing God’s authority to judge and His mercy to save. We see a parallel in Jesus’ exaltation at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3), where He shares in this same deserving of holy awe. The awe of God, properly understood, produces humility and gratitude, prompting believers to serve Him in sincerity and truth (Joshua 24:14) and to trust in His faithful character.
Because this psalm is attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite (Psalm 89:1), it places the text around the time when Davidic psalms were being collected and sung in Israel’s worship—roughly 10th or 9th century BC. Though no specific city is named in this verse, these words were likely central to the communal worship held in Jerusalem, the spiritual and political heart of ancient Israel, especially after King David established it as the capital around 1003 BC. The invitation to revere the Lord stands as timeless counsel for any generation seeking to know the One who is unchangeable in holiness and majesty.