The Bible Says
Psalm 89:5-10 Meaning

The psalmist exclaims The heavens will praise Your wonders, O LORD; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones (v. 5), drawing our attention to the vastness of creation as it declares God’s glory. By referring to the assembly of the holy ones, the songwriter highlights the angelic beings who stand in awe of the LORD. Psalm 89:5-10 underscores that God’s works transcend earthly boundaries, reminding us that all of heaven stands as a witness to His faithful and majestic nature.

In contemplating the phrase Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones, we see not only a statement about divine reliability, but an assurance that the very core of spiritual reality revolves around God’s steadfast love. This calls us to trust in His character, knowing that if the heavenly beings themselves marvel at His wonders, then we too should recognize the depth of His enduring commitment to humanity.

Building upon this grandeur, the psalmist asks, For who in the skies is comparable to the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty is like the LORD (v. 6). By posing these rhetorical questions, the writer confidently asserts God’s supremacy over the entire cosmos. No heavenly being, regardless of their power or rank, can rival the Creator’s might and splendor. This reveals the uniqueness of God, set distinctly apart from all spiritual or earthly authorities.

When the verse speaks of the sons of the mighty, it points to celestial beings or revered spiritual forces. The psalmist’s reasoning is clear: these beings, though splendid in their own right, still pale in comparison to the One enthroned in glory. This truth resonates throughout Scripture, leading us ultimately to Jesus, who is exalted above all spiritual rulers (Ephesians 1:20-21) and embodies the fullness of God’s authority.

Continuing the theme of God’s unrivaled greatness, the psalmist proclaims, A God greatly feared in the council of the holy ones, And awesome above all those who are around Him (v. 7). Even within the highest spiritual dwelling, the Lord stands as the object of reverent awe. His presence inspires a fear that is not terror but profound respect, acknowledging that He alone is worthy of worship and honor.

The phrase the council of the holy ones envisions a heavenly gathering where God reigns supreme. Such a setting conveys the idea that, before the omnipotent LORD, every creature — angelic or otherwise — recognizes His supremacy. This reverent attitude invites believers today to bow in humility, embracing the same spirit of respectful awe as we approach God’s throne of grace.

The psalmist then cries out, O LORD God of hosts, who is like You, O mighty LORD? Your faithfulness also surrounds You (v. 8). Reiterating the question who is like You underscores God’s peerless nature. God of hosts is a title that reveals His command over angelic armies, reinforcing that no power stands against Him. Even as He commands the heavenly realm, His faithfulness wraps around Him like a cloak, extending from His presence to His people.

In Your faithfulness also surrounds You, we see that steadfastness is not merely an action God performs; it is part of His very essence. His loyalty and commitment envelop all who trust Him. This leads us to reflect on the unshakeable promise that He will keep His covenant and preserve those who rely on His name, culminating in the ultimate expression of faithfulness seen in Christ’s sacrificial love (John 3:16).

The psalm continues, You rule the swelling of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them (v. 9), proclaiming God’s absolute authority over chaotic powers of nature. In ancient Hebrew thought, the sea often symbolized turmoil or danger. By stilling its waves, the LORD demonstrates His command over creation. In the New Testament, Jesus likewise calmed a storm with a word (Mark 4:39), reflecting the same divine power over the seas.

As the greatest forces of nature answer to the Lord’s decree, this verse invites trust in God through life’s storms. Even when circumstances feel overwhelming, we can rest in the certainty that He has the capacity to quiet every tumult. Like the psalmist, we can find peace by looking to the One who reigns above every tempest, keeping our hearts anchored in faith.

The final verse in this passage states, You Yourself crushed Rahab like one who is slain; You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm (v. 10). In this context, Rahab can be understood as a poetic symbol referring to formidable opposition, and several other Old Testament passages consider it a representation of Egypt. Within a historical timeline, Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage is conventionally dated around the 15th to 13th centuries BC, and by invoking this name, the psalmist points to God’s past triumph over powerful foes.

The image of scattering enemies highlights God’s unmatched might in bringing victory to His people. As He brought low oppressive powers in the past, so does He continue to defend and protect those who are called by His name. Reflecting on this verse reminds us that no force, no matter how imposing, can withstand the supreme and just arm of the Lord.