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.
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The LORD Reigns in Holiness

1
The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. ​
2
The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people.
3
Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy. ​

The King Who Loves Justice

4
The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob. ​
5
Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy. ​

Historical Examples of Prayer and Answer

6
Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them. ​
7
He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them. ​
8
Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions. ​
9
Exalt the LORD our God, and 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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