King James Version
What Does Psalms 89:8 Mean?
“O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?”
Context
6
For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?
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.
8
O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?
9
Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.
10
Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm. Rahab: or, Egypt thy: Heb. the arm of thy strength
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(8-13) Not only is God incomparable in heaven, He is also the only mighty and lofty one in nature or history.
(8) **O Lord.**—The Hebrew marches more grandly than the Authorised Version:
“Jehovah, God of Hosts,
Who as Thou is mighty, Jah?
And Thy faithfulness surrounds Thee.”
Or the last clause may be rendered, *and what faithfulness is like that round about thee? *We must either think of the attendant throngs of loyal angels, or of God clothed as it were with faithfulness.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 89:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 89:8
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge