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
The LORD reigns! Let the peoples tremble. He sits enthroned among the cherubim. Let the earth be moved. ​
2
The LORD is great in Zion. He is high above all the peoples.
3
Let them praise your great and awesome name. He is Holy! ​

The King Who Loves Justice

4
The King’s strength also loves justice. You do establish equity. You execute justice and righteousness in Jacob. ​
5
Exalt the LORD our God. Worship at his footstool. He is Holy! ​

Historical Examples of Prayer and Answer

6
Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel among those who call on his name; they called on the LORD, and he answered them. ​
7
He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud. They kept his testimonies, the statute that he gave them. ​
8
You answered them, LORD our God. You are a God who forgave them, although you took vengeance for their doings. ​
9
Exalt the LORD, our God. Worship at his holy hill, for the LORD, 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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