Psalms 99:1

¶ The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth [between] the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

The LORD {H3068} reigneth {H4427}; let the people {H5971} tremble {H7264}: he sitteth {H3427} between the cherubims {H3742}; let the earth {H776} be moved {H5120}.

ADONAI is king; let the peoples tremble. He sits enthroned on the k'ruvim; let the earth shake!

The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake!

Jehovah reigneth; let the peoples tremble: He sitteth above the cherubim; let the earth be moved.

Commentary

Psalms 99:1 (KJV) declares the absolute sovereignty and majesty of God, calling all creation to acknowledge His reign with reverence and awe.

Context

Psalm 99 is a hymn of praise, part of a collection of "enthronement psalms" (Psalms 93, 95-99) that celebrate the Lord's universal kingship. This particular psalm emphasizes God's holiness, justice, and mercy, setting the stage by first proclaiming His undisputed rule. It serves as a call to worship, inviting all people to come before the King of the universe with appropriate reverence.

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereignty and Kingship: The opening declaration, "The LORD reigneth," is the central assertion of the verse. It proclaims God's supreme authority over all creation, nations, and events. This is not merely a statement of fact but an invitation to acknowledge His active rule.
  • Divine Awe and Reverence: The calls to "let the people tremble" and "let the earth be moved" are not expressions of fear in the sense of terror, but rather a profound, reverent awe and trembling before the immense power and majesty of God. It signifies a humble submission and recognition of His holiness.
  • God's Immanent Presence: "He sitteth between the cherubims" points to God's specific manifestation of His presence among His people. This refers to the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), where the cherubim guarded God's throne. It signifies His accessibility and active involvement in the lives of His covenant people.

Linguistic Insights

  • "The LORD" (YHWH): The Hebrew word behind "LORD" (capitalized in KJV) is YHWH, the personal, covenant name of God. This emphasizes that it is the God of Israel, the one true God, who reigns.
  • "reigneth" (Hebrew: malak): This verb signifies "to be king," "to rule," or "to exercise royal power." It highlights God's active and ongoing dominion.
  • "tremble" (Hebrew: ragaz): While it can mean to quake with fear, in this context, it often implies a deep awe, agitation, or respectful disturbance that comes from encountering overwhelming majesty.
  • "cherubims": These are angelic beings associated with God's throne and presence, first seen guarding the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24) and prominently featured over the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:22). Their presence signifies God's holiness and His ultimate authority.

Related Scriptures

The declaration "The LORD reigneth" is a foundational truth echoed throughout Scripture, asserting God's supreme authority and kingship over all creation, much like the affirmation found in Psalms 93:1. The phrase "he sitteth between the cherubims" vividly points to God's specific manifestation of His presence above the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant, as described in Exodus 25:22, where He communed with Israel. The call to "tremble" before the Lord is a recurring theme, emphasizing reverence and submission, as seen in Psalms 2:11.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 99:1 is a powerful reminder of God's unchanging nature and absolute control. In a world often marked by chaos and uncertainty, this verse offers profound comfort and stability. Knowing that "The LORD reigneth" encourages us to:

  • Worship with Awe: Approach God not casually, but with deep respect and wonder for His holiness and power.
  • Find Security: Trust that God is on His throne, actively governing all things, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
  • Live in Submission: Acknowledge His rightful place as King and align our lives with His will, knowing that His reign is just and righteous.

This verse calls us to a posture of humility and worship, recognizing that the King of the universe is not distant but intimately present and deserving of all honor.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 97:1

    ¶ The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad [thereof].

  • Exodus 25:22

    And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which [are] upon the ark of the testimony, of all [things] which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

  • Psalms 97:4

    His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.

  • Psalms 93:1

    ¶ The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, [wherewith] he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.

  • Psalms 80:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest [between] the cherubims, shine forth.

  • Revelation 20:11

    ¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

  • Isaiah 19:14

    The LORD hath mingled a perverse spirit in the midst thereof: and they have caused Egypt to err in every work thereof, as a drunken [man] staggereth in his vomit.