For who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord? God's angels praise him, and only him; since there is none in heaven or earth to be compared to him. Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord? "The sons of the mighty" are the angels (comp. Psalms 29:1 ). read more
Comparisons with Jehovah. "Who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord?" It does not come to our minds to attempt any comparisons of God with any one, because, according to our associations, there is no one on the same plane with him, and so no comparisons are suggested. But in ancient times every nation had its separate deity; these deities were thought, by their worshippers, to be real and supreme, and so comparisons with Jehovah could be made. They were made, by outsiders, to his... read more
God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints; rather, in the council of the holy ones (see the Revised Version). And to be had in reverence of all them that are about him; or, above all them , etc. read more
The fear of God. "God is greatly to be feared," etc. True religion contains three indispensable elements—right beliefs concerning God; right feelings; right conduct. If either be deficient, our religion will be proportionately injured or worthless. Religion without faith is impossible. Religion without morality is a mockery. Religion without feeling is lifeless and powerless. Preaching commonly deals more with faith and duty than with feeling— i.e; affection, desire, emotion—for two... read more
For who in the heaven ... - literally, In the cloud; that is, in the sky. The idea is that none in the regions above - the upper world - can be compared with God. There is no other god - there is no one among the angels, great and glorious as they are, that can be likened to him.Who among the sons of the mighty ... - The angels - regarded as mighty. The “sons of the mighty” on earth are spoken of as mighty men - as men of power - as men of exalted rank. So here, the idea is, that none of the... read more
God is greatly to be feared - There is that in him which is suited to fill the mind with solemn feelings, and this is a proper state of mind with which to come before him. Nature teaches us that God should be approached with awe; and all the teachings of revelation confirm this. His power is to be feared; his justice is to be feared; his holiness is to be feared; and there is much also in his goodness, his benevolence, his mercy, to fill the mind with solemn emotions.In the assembly of the... read more
Psalms 89:6-7. Who among the sons of the mighty That is, of the most mighty princes upon earth: or among the highest angels; who well may and needs must admire and adore thee, because thou art incomparably and infinitely more excellent than they. God is greatly to be feared With a fear of reverence; for dread and terror have no place in those blessed mansions, and holy spirits. In the assembly of the saints The whole society of angels, called saints, or holy ones, again, as in... read more
Psalms 89:0 Remember the covenant with DavidApparently Israel had suffered some military setback that threatened its existence. This caused some people to think that God had forsaken his anointed king. The psalmist therefore recalls the covenant promise God made to David to preserve his dynasty for ever, and on the basis of this he claims God’s help (1-4; see 2 Samuel 7:8-16).Before speaking further of the covenant, the psalmist praises God for his majesty and greatness. None among the... read more
who. Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 . This is the cry of all His saints. See note on Exodus 15:11 . heaven = sky. Same word as Psalms 89:37 . sons of the mighty = sons of Elim = the angels. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 89:5-37
The psalmist carries out the intention proclaimed in Psalms 89:1 , and proceeds to "sing of the mercies of the Lord" at great length. His song of praise divides into two portions. From Psalms 89:5 to Psalms 89:18 it is a general laudation of the Almighty for his greatness in heaven ( Psalms 89:5-7 ), in nature ( Psalms 89:9 , Psalms 89:11 , Psalms 89:12 ), and in the course of his rule on earth ( Psalms 89:10 , Psalms 89:13-18 ), after which it passes into a laudation of him... read more