Psalms99

Psalms 99 proclaims the LORD's sovereign reign, emphasizing His greatness and holiness above all people. It calls for all to tremble and worship His terrible name, acknowledging His establishment of judgment and equity. The psalm concludes by reiterating the call to exalt the holy LORD our God.

The LORD Reigns in Holiness

1
ADONAI is king; let the peoples tremble. He sits enthroned on the k'ruvim; let the earth shake! ​
2
ADONAI is great in Tziyon; he is high above all the peoples.
3
Let them praise your great and fearsome name (he is holy): ​

The King Who Loves Justice

4
"Mighty king who loves justice, you established fairness, justice and righteousness in Ya'akov." ​
5
Exalt ADONAI our God! Prostrate yourselves at his footstool (he is holy). ​

Historical Examples of Prayer and Answer

6
Moshe and Aharon among his cohanim and Sh'mu'el among those who call on his name called on ADONAI, and he answered them. ​
7
He spoke to them in the column of cloud; they kept his instructions and the law that he gave them. ​
8
ADONAI our God, you answered them. To them you were a forgiving God, although you took vengeance on their wrongdoings. ​
9
Exalt ADONAI our God, bow down toward his holy mountain, for ADONAI our God is holy!

Study Notes for Psalms 99

Verse 1

The phrase 'The LORD reigneth' (Yahweh Malak) is a foundational enthronement formula, proclaiming God’s active and universal sovereignty. 'Sitteth between the cherubims' refers to the mercy seat atop the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the immediate presence of God ruling from Zion.

Verse 3

The call to praise God’s 'terrible name' uses language emphasizing his awe-inspiring majesty and power, which demands reverence and submission from all nations, not merely terror.

Verse 4

This verse transitions from God’s universal reign to his specific character as a just ruler. His 'strength' is not arbitrary but is always exercised in accordance with 'judgment' (equity and righteousness), establishing a moral foundation for Israel ('in Jacob').

Verse 5

To 'worship at his footstool' is an idiom for worshiping God in the place he has chosen to dwell, likely referring to the Temple Mount or Zion, where the Ark (the footstool) rested.

Verse 6

Moses, Aaron, and Samuel represent the foundational figures of Israel’s historical relationship with God—leaders, priests, and prophets—who demonstrated the power of faithful intercession. Their calling upon the LORD shows God’s responsiveness to his chosen servants.

Verse 7

The 'cloudy pillar' refers to the visible manifestation of God’s presence (the Shekinah) that guided Israel through the wilderness, confirming that God spoke directly and authoritatively to his leaders, demanding obedience to his Law.

Verse 8

This verse captures the tension between God’s mercy and his justice. He is a God 'that forgavest them' (grace) but still held them accountable and took 'vengeance of their inventions' (justice), demonstrating that forgiveness does not negate consequences or moral order.

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