Psalms 89:5

¶ And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.

And the heavens {H8064} shall praise {H3034}{H8686)} thy wonders {H6382}, O LORD {H3068}: thy faithfulness {H530} also in the congregation {H6951} of the saints {H6918}.

Let the heavens praise your wonders, ADONAI, your faithfulness in the assembly of the angels.

The heavens praise Your wonders, O LORD— Your faithfulness as well— in the assembly of the holy ones.

And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O Jehovah; Thy faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones.

Commentary

Psalms 89:5 reads, "¶ And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints." This verse opens a profound section of Psalm 89, setting a foundational tone of divine majesty and reliability before the psalm delves into a lament concerning the Davidic covenant.

Context

Psalm 89 is a Maskil (a contemplative poem or instruction) attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite. It begins by celebrating God's steadfast love and faithfulness, particularly in relation to His covenant with King David, promising an eternal dynasty (see 2 Samuel 7:16). Verse 5, therefore, serves as an affirmation of God's glorious attributes and mighty acts, establishing the character of the God whose covenant later appears to be challenged in the psalm's unfolding narrative. It grounds the reader in the unshakeable reality of God's character before the psalm explores the perceived difficulties of His promises.

Key Themes

  • Cosmic Praise of God's Wonders: The opening phrase, "And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD," speaks to a universal, inherent testimony to God's miraculous deeds. Creation itself, from the vastness of the cosmos to the intricacies of life, declares the glory and power of its Maker. It’s a testament to God’s extraordinary and supernatural acts, often referred to by the Hebrew word pele', emphasizing their unique, awe-inspiring nature. This concept of the natural world testifying to divine glory is powerfully echoed in other scriptures, such as Psalms 19:1 where the heavens declare God's glory.
  • Divine Faithfulness in the Assembly: The latter part, "thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints," shifts focus from cosmic praise to corporate worship among God's people. It highlights that God's unwavering reliability and truth (Hebrew: emunah) are not only evident in His grand works but are also celebrated and experienced within the community of believers. The "congregation of the saints" refers to the assembly of God's holy ones, where His character is proclaimed and His steadfast love is acknowledged. This collective worship is crucial, reminding us of the importance of assembling together as believers to affirm God's truth and share in His goodness.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "wonders" is pele' (פֶּלֶא), signifying something extraordinary, miraculous, or beyond human comprehension. It often refers to God's mighty acts of salvation and judgment that evoke awe.
  • "Faithfulness" comes from the Hebrew word emunah (אֱמוּנָה), which conveys steadfastness, reliability, truth, and constancy. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His promises and character, a theme profoundly explored throughout the Psalms and other Old Testament books, particularly in passages like Lamentations 3:23, which proclaims God's great faithfulness.

Practical Application

Psalms 89:5 encourages believers to recognize and participate in the dual chorus of praise directed towards God. Firstly, it calls us to observe the natural world and see the countless proofs of God's creative power and miraculous intervention. This fosters a sense of awe and wonder at the divine Artist. Secondly, it emphasizes the vital role of the gathered church in proclaiming and experiencing God's faithfulness. Our corporate worship is not merely a human endeavor; it is a sacred space where God's unchanging character is celebrated, His promises are affirmed, and His wonders are recounted, strengthening our faith and unity as the "congregation of the saints." This verse serves as a powerful reminder that all creation, along with His redeemed people, is called to acknowledge and praise the LORD for who He is.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 97:6

    The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.

  • Psalms 19:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

  • Isaiah 44:23

    Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done [it]: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.

  • Psalms 50:6

    And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God [is] judge himself. Selah.

  • Revelation 7:10

    And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

  • Revelation 7:12

    Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

  • Hebrews 12:22

    But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,