Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 89:7

"A God very terrible in the council of the holy ones, And to be feared above all them that are round about him?" — Psalms 89:7 (ASV)

God is greatly to be feared— There is something in him that is suited to fill the mind with solemn feelings, and this is a proper state of mind for approaching 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 also much in his goodness, his benevolence, his mercy, to fill the mind with solemn emotions.

In the assembly of the saints— The assembly of the holy; the assembly that is convened for his worship. The reference here may be to worshippers on earth or in heaven. Wherever and whenever, in this world or in other worlds, creatures are engaged in the worship of God, there should be deep solemnity and reverence. Regarding the word translated “assembly” here—סוד sôd—a council, or an assemblage for counsel, see Psalm 25:14, note; Psalms 64:2, note; and compare Job 15:8. This idea is founded on what is said in the previous verse, that none can be compared with God.

And to be held in reverence— In fear; in awe.

Of all those who are about him— Those who approach him; those who are in his presence. The conscious presence of God should fill the mind with awe. When we feel that his eye is upon us, when we know that he sees us, how can we trifle and be thoughtless? How can we then be sinful?