Psalm 89:6-18 NKJV
6 For who in the heavens can be compared to the Lord?
Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the Lord?
7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints,
And to be held in reverence by all those around Him.
8 O Lord God of hosts,
Who is mighty like You, O Lord?
Your faithfulness also surrounds You.
9 You rule the raging of the sea;
When its waves rise, You still them.
10 You have broken Rahab in pieces, as one who is slain;
You have scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.
11 The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours;
The world and all its fullness, You have founded them.
12 The north and the south, You have created them;
Tabor and Hermon rejoice in Your name.
13 You have a mighty arm;
Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand.
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;
Mercy and truth go before Your face.
15 Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!
They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance.
16 In Your name they rejoice all day long,
And in Your righteousness they are exalted.
17 For You are the glory of their strength,
And in Your favor our horn is exalted.
18 For our shield belongs to the Lord,
And our king to the Holy One of Israel.
Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD? The psalmist exalts the uniqueness and majesty of God, declaring that no one compares to Him. Psalm 89:6-18 lifts our eyes to the heavens, reminding us that the LORD is not only powerful but also faithful to His promises. In a world filled with fleeting allegiances and broken commitments, this passage draws us to the steadfastness of our God.
The psalmist begins with a vision of the heavenly council, where even the mightiest angels revere God (v. 6-7). He is “greatly to be feared” and “awesome above all.” This awe is not terror but the proper recognition of God’s holiness, power, and majesty. As the Creator, He established the earth and the seas. The raging waves, so untamable to man, are calmed by His word (v. 9).
The psalm continues by recounting God’s acts of salvation. Rahab—a poetic name for Egypt—was crushed by His power (v. 10). This reminds us of the Exodus, where God redeemed His people with an outstretched arm. His right hand, a symbol of strength, continues to guide and protect His people.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s throne (v. 14). Unlike human rulers, whose decisions are often clouded by selfishness or error, God’s rule is perfect. Mercy and truth go before Him, surrounding His every action. When we feel the weight of injustice in this world, we can take comfort that our God reigns with absolute righteousness.
The psalm ends with a declaration of blessing for those who know “the joyful sound” (v. 15). To walk in the light of His countenance is to live in fellowship with Him, guided by His Word and rejoicing in His presence. His strength becomes our strength, His favor our shield (v. 17-18).
Let us live each day in the assurance of God’s faithfulness, confident that He who holds the heavens also holds our lives. Let us pray: Faithful God, we praise You for Your steadfast love and power. Help us walk in Your light, trusting in Your righteousness and rejoicing in Your mercy. Amen.