Psalms 89:7

Psalm 89:7 emphasizes the profound reverence and awe due to God, particularly within the context of His gathered people. This verse is a powerful declaration of God's supreme authority and holiness, asserting that He is to be approached with deep respect and humble adoration by all who are in His presence.

Context

Psalm 89 is a Maskil (a contemplative or instructive psalm) by Ethan the Ezrahite. It begins by celebrating God's covenant faithfulness, especially His promises to David concerning an eternal kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-16). However, the psalm later shifts to a lament, questioning why God seems to have abandoned His covenant promises in the face of national defeat. Verse 7, therefore, serves as a foundational truth about God's character, setting the stage for understanding both His unwavering power and the human struggle with His mysterious ways. It reminds the worshiper of God's exalted position even amidst trials.

Key Themes

• God's Supreme Authority and Holiness: The phrase "greatly to be feared" (Hebrew: nir'ah me'od) signifies not terror, but profound awe, reverence, and respect for God's immense power, purity, and moral perfection. This is a holy fear, acknowledging His divine majesty.
• Reverence in Corporate Worship: The "assembly of the saints" refers to the congregation of God's devoted people gathered for worship. This highlights that reverence for God is not merely an individual exercise but a collective imperative, where the community of believers acknowledges His sovereignty together. This communal respect underscores the sanctity of the gathering.
• Universal Awe for God's Nearness: "All them that are about him" extends this reverence beyond the formal assembly to all who are in His presence or have a relationship with Him. This includes angels, heavenly beings, and those who draw near to Him in faith, underscoring that God's intrinsic holiness demands awe from all creation, especially those who serve Him closely.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "feared" (yare') often conveys a sense of awe, reverence, and respect rather than mere terror. It implies a recognition of God's holiness and power that inspires worship and obedience. Similarly, "reverence" ('arach) reinforces this idea of profound respect and honor due to someone of immense stature and authority. The repeated emphasis on "fear" and "reverence" underscores the unparalleled nature of God's being.

Related Scriptures

• The concept of the "fear of the LORD" as the beginning of wisdom is a recurring theme in wisdom literature (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7).
• The idea of God's holiness demanding reverence is also seen in passages like Isaiah 6:3, where the seraphim cry, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts."
• The importance of the assembly of believers is echoed in the New Testament, encouraging Christians not to neglect meeting together.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 89:7 serves as a vital reminder of how we should approach God, both individually and corporately. It calls us to:

1. Cultivate a Spirit of Awe: Our worship, prayers, and daily lives should reflect a deep understanding of God's infinite holiness and power.
2. Honor Corporate Worship: Recognize that gathering with other believers is a sacred act where God's presence is uniquely honored, requiring respect and attentiveness.
3. Live Consistently: Since God is "about" us, our lives should consistently reflect this reverence, influencing our actions, words, and thoughts, knowing we are always in His presence.

This verse challenges us to move beyond casual familiarity and embrace the profound, life-transforming awe that comes from truly knowing who God is.