What does Psalms 89:7 mean?
"God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him." - Psalms 89:7

The verse in question is Psalms 89:7 which reads, "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him." This verse speaks to the reverence and awe that believers are called to have for God, particularly when gathered together as a community of saints. The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible uses formal language and poetic imagery to convey the profound nature of this reverence.
The theme of fearing God is prominent throughout the Bible, and it is often misunderstood. In this context, "fear" does not imply terror or dread, but rather a deep respect and reverence for God's power, holiness, and authority. The fear of God is a recognition of His greatness and a humble acknowledgment of our own limitations in comparison. It is a healthy and necessary aspect of faith, as it keeps us humble and reminds us of God's sovereignty.
The verse also emphasizes the importance of the assembly of the saints, or the gathering of believers. When believers come together in worship and fellowship, there is a special sense of the presence of God. It is within this context that the fear of God is to be greatly esteemed. The collective reverence and awe of the assembly magnify the greatness of God and strengthen the faith of the believers.
The language of this verse also suggests the majesty of God and the honor that is due to Him. The imagery of God being "greatly to be feared" and "had in reverence" conveys the idea of God's exalted and awe-inspiring nature. It is a call to recognize and honor God's holiness and to approach Him with humility and awe.
The context of Psalms 89 is important for understanding the significance of this verse. The psalm is a reflection on God's covenant with David and His faithfulness to His promises. The psalmist praises God for His sovereignty, power, and faithfulness, and recalls God's promises to establish an eternal kingdom through David's descendants. The verse in question serves as a declaration of the reverence and awe that is due to the God who is faithful to His covenant and who reigns in power and majesty.
In addition to its thematic significance, Psalms 89:7 also carries symbolic meaning. The assembly of the saints represents the gathering of believers, and the reverence and fear of God that are to be held in such a setting symbolize the spiritual posture of believers in their worship and fellowship. The verse reminds believers of the sacredness of their gatherings and the honor that is due to God when they come together in His name.
Overall, Psalms 89:7 conveys a profound message about the reverence and awe that believers are called to have for God, especially when gathered together as a community of saints. The verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's greatness, honoring His holiness, and approaching Him with humility and awe. It also highlights the significance of the assembly of believers and the reverence that is to be held in such gatherings. In its rich language and thematic depth, this verse inspires believers to approach God with reverence and awe, acknowledging His greatness and offering Him the honor and worship that He deserves.
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Psalms 89:7 - "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him."
"God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him." - Psalms 89:7
Psalms 89:41 - "All that pass by the way spoil him: he is a reproach to his neighbours."
"Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen." - Psalms 89:52
Psalms 89:15 - "Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance."
"For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." - Psalms 119:89
Psalms 89:52 - "Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen."
Psalms 89:31 - "If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;"
Psalms 89:32 - "Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes."
Psalms 119:89 - "For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven."
Psalms 89:18 - "For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king."
Psalms 89:30 - "If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;"
Psalms 89:37 - "It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah."
"Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth." - Psalms 89:27
Psalms 89:27 - "Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth."
Psalms 89:35 - "Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David."
Psalms 89:36 - "His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me."
Psalms 89:16 - "In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted."
Psalms 89:25 - "I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers."
Psalms 89:17 - "For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted."
Psalms 89:22 - "The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him."
Psalms 89:34 - "My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips."
Psalms 89:21 - "With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him."
Psalms 89:29 - "His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven."
Psalms 89:13 - "Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand."
Psalms 89:9 - "Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them."
Psalms 89:44 - "Thou hast made his glory to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground."
Psalms 89:38 - "But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed."
"His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven." - Psalms 89:29
Psalms 89:24 - "But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted."