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Psalms 90:11 meaning

This verse reminds us to maintain a reverent and humble posture before our holy God.

Who understands the power of Your anger And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You? (v.11) is attributed to Moses, who is traditionally placed in the historical timeline during the period of Israel’s exodus from Egypt (around the 15th or 13th century BC, depending on the dating model). In this psalm, Moses ponders the depth of God’s righteous anger and asks who among humanity can grasp the extent of divine wrath. The question Who understands the power of Your anger (v.11) underscores that God’s justice and holiness exceed human comprehension. Much like in Exodus, where Moses witnessed God’s judgment on Egypt, this verse highlights that humans often underestimate how intensely God views sin.

The phrase according to the fear that is due You (v.11) draws attention to a deep reverence for the Lord. The Bible frequently teaches that the fear of the Lord is a doorway to wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and that true awe for God aligns the heart with His holiness. Moses’ own life experiences, including leading the Israelites through the wilderness and encountering God at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19), reveal that a healthy reverence for the Almighty fosters humility and devotion. The psalmist’s words remind us that God’s anger is never arbitrary; it corresponds to His perfect standard of righteousness.

Ultimately, this verse encourages believers to deepen their understanding of God’s character, recognizing that His righteous wrath is bound up in His compassion, mercy, and plan of redemption, fulfilled in Christ (Romans 5:9). By acknowledging that God’s standard is higher than we can fully conceive, we are drawn to seek His grace and grow in our reverence for Him. This respectful fear draws us closer to the One who both judges sin and freely offers salvation through faith in Jesus (John 3:16).

Psalms 90:11