How does Psalm 89:7 emphasize God's holiness and reverence in worship? Text of Psalm 89:7 “In the council of the holy ones, God is greatly feared, and awesome above all who surround Him.” Immediate Setting • Psalm 89 celebrates God’s covenant with David while wrestling with apparent setbacks. • Verses 5–8 focus on the heavenly realm, reminding worshipers that God’s glory is affirmed first in heaven, then echoed on earth. Why “Feared” and “Awesome” Matter • “Greatly feared” (Hebrew pāḥad) speaks of trembling respect, not casual admiration. • “Awesome” (Hebrew yārēʾ) stresses overwhelming, breathtaking majesty. • Together they insist that even sinless, exalted beings approach God with profound reverence—setting the absolute standard for our worship. Holiness Highlighted in the Heavenly Council • The “holy ones” are angels (Job 15:15; Luke 9:26) who themselves are pure, yet still revere God. • Their posture shows holiness isn’t merely moral purity; it is the inherent other-ness of God that dwarfs every created being. • If heaven’s inhabitants tremble, earthly worship must never become casual or entertainment-driven. Echoes Across Scripture • Isaiah 6:2–5—seraphim cover faces and feet while crying, “Holy, holy, holy.” • Revelation 4:8—“Day and night they never stop saying, ‘Holy, holy, holy.’” • Exodus 15:11—“Who is like You—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” • Hebrews 12:28–29—“Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” • Psalm 99:1–3—“Let the nations tremble… exalt the LORD; let them praise Your great and awesome name.” Implications for Our Gatherings • Worship is participation in an ongoing heavenly chorus; we align with angelic reverence. • Music, teaching, and prayer should spotlight God’s transcendence, not human performance. • Reverence fuels obedience: a right view of God’s holiness leads to a right walk before Him (Leviticus 11:44). • Joy and awe are not opposites—deep reverence intensifies true joy, keeping it rooted in God’s greatness rather than in emotion alone. Takeaway Summary Psalm 89:7 lifts the curtain on heaven to show that even the purest beings approach God with trembling awe. That glimpse calls us to worship marked by heartfelt reverence, joyful submission, and unwavering acknowledgment of His incomparable holiness. |
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