Psalms 99:6

KJV

¶ Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moses {H4872} and Aaron {H175} among his priests {H3548}, and Samuel {H8050} among them that call {H7121} upon his name {H8034}; they called {H7121} upon the LORD {H3068}, and he answered {H6030} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe and Aharon among his cohanim and Sh'mu'el among those who call on his name called on ADONAI, and he answered them.

Berean Standard Bible

Moses and Aaron were among His priests; Samuel was among those who called on His name. They called to the LORD and He answered.

American Standard Version

Moses and Aaron among his priests, And Samuel among them that call upon his name; They called upon Jehovah, and he answered them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 99:6 magnifies the Lord's holy reign by recalling His faithful responsiveness to the prayers of His chosen servants. It specifically highlights Moses, Aaron, and Samuel as exemplary figures who called upon the LORD, and to whom He graciously answered, thereby underscoring God's unwavering attentiveness and active involvement in the lives of those who seek Him in earnest. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the efficacy of prayer and God's covenant faithfulness throughout Israel's history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 99 is a royal psalm, a hymn of praise that celebrates Yahweh's kingship and holiness. It opens by declaring God's enthronement and His awesome presence, causing the earth to tremble ([Psalms 99:1](/psalms/99-1 "Psalm 99:1 - God's Reign and Majesty")). The psalm repeatedly emphasizes God's holiness ([Psalms 99:3](/psalms/99-3 "Psalm 99:3 - God's Holy Name"), [Psalms 99:5](/psalms/99-5 "Psalm 99:5 - Worship at His Footstool"), [Psalms 99:9](/psalms/99-9 "Psalm 99:9 - Exalt the Lord Our God")). Verse 4 establishes His character as a King who loves justice, equity, and righteousness. Within this majestic portrayal of God's sovereign rule and moral perfection, verse 6 introduces specific historical examples—Moses, Aaron, and Samuel—to illustrate how this holy and just King interacts with His people. It bridges the gap between God's transcendent holiness and His immanent responsiveness, showing that His justice is tempered with mercy and His sovereignty includes hearing the cries of His servants.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The figures of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel represent pivotal eras and roles in Israel's early history, from the Exodus and wilderness wandering to the establishment of the monarchy. Moses was the foundational prophet and lawgiver, uniquely privileged to speak with God "face to face" ([Exodus 33:11](/exodus/33-11 "Exodus 33:11 - God Speaks to Moses")). Aaron was the first High Priest, establishing the Levitical priesthood and the sacrificial system that mediated between God and Israel ([Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons")). Samuel served as the last judge, a prophet, and the anointer of Israel's first kings, marking a transition from the tribal confederacy to a monarchy ([1 Samuel 7](/1_samuel/7 "1 Samuel 7 - Samuel Judges Israel")). Their inclusion in this psalm underscores their exemplary status as intercessors and leaders who stood in the gap for the people. Culturally, the act of "calling upon the LORD" was a fundamental expression of Israelite piety, signifying dependence, worship, and fervent petition, often in times of national crisis or personal distress.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout Psalms 99 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Responsiveness to Prayer**, demonstrating that God, despite His supreme holiness and majesty, actively hears and answers the petitions of His faithful. The phrase "they called upon the LORD, and he answered them" serves as a historical validation of God's attentiveness. Secondly, it emphasizes the role of **Exemplary Intercessors**, presenting Moses, Aaron, and Samuel as models of effective prayer and mediation. Their lives illustrate the privilege and power of those who genuinely seek God. Thirdly, it subtly reinforces the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness**. Even when Israel faltered, God remained true to His promises, responding to the intercession of His chosen leaders, demonstrating His enduring commitment to His people and His plan of redemption, even as He maintained His righteous standards ([Psalms 99:8](/psalms/99-8 "Psalm 99:8 - God Forgives and Punishes")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Called upon (Hebrew, _qara'_):** This verb signifies more than a casual utterance; it implies a fervent, often urgent, cry or invocation. It means to "call out," "proclaim," or "summon." In the context of prayer, it denotes a deliberate, often desperate, appeal to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and power. It's an act of worship and dependence, seeking divine intervention or revelation.
* **Answered (Hebrew, _ʿanah'_):** This word conveys a definite and often favorable response. It means to "respond," "reply," "testify," or "give attention to." When God "answers," it's not merely hearing but actively engaging with the petition, often by providing deliverance, guidance, or forgiveness. It demonstrates God's active involvement and faithfulness to those who seek Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moses and Aaron among his priests":** This clause immediately identifies two foundational figures in Israel's spiritual history. Moses, though not a priest in the Levitical sense, served a priestly, mediatorial role, interceding for the nation and speaking directly with God. Aaron was the consecrated High Priest, representing the people before God through sacrifices and prayers. Their inclusion together highlights both the prophetic and the priestly mediatorial functions, both of which were vital for Israel's relationship with God. The phrase "his priests" likely refers to Aaron and his descendants, establishing the legitimacy and divine appointment of the priestly order through which God's people could approach Him.
* **"and Samuel among them that call upon his name":** Samuel is introduced as a figure distinct from the established priesthood, yet equally significant. He was a prophet and judge, known for his powerful intercession. The broader category "them that call upon his name" expands the scope beyond just the formal priesthood, indicating that God answers all who sincerely invoke His name, regardless of their specific office, provided they do so with a right heart. This highlights the accessibility of God to all His faithful servants.
* **"they called upon the LORD":** This is the central action of the verse. It confirms that these great leaders engaged in earnest prayer and supplication to Yahweh. This act of "calling upon" signifies their dependence on God, their recognition of His authority, and their trust in His ability to intervene. It is the prerequisite for the divine response that follows.
* **"and he answered them":** This is the divine response, affirming God's faithfulness and active engagement. It confirms that their fervent prayers were not in vain but met with a tangible, positive reply from the Almighty. This demonstrates God's character as a God who hears and acts on behalf of His people, validating the power and efficacy of prayer.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 99:6 employs several effective literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure, presenting two sets of exemplary figures (Moses and Aaron; Samuel) followed by a unifying statement about their action ("they called upon the LORD") and God's response ("and he answered them"). This creates a rhythmic and reinforcing effect. The psalm utilizes **Exemplary Figures** (Moses, Aaron, Samuel) to illustrate a universal truth about God's responsiveness. These historical figures serve as **types** of faithful intercessors, whose experiences validate the psalm's broader theological claims about God's character. The phrase "among his priests" and "among them that call upon his name" also uses a form of **synecdoche** or **metonymy**, where specific individuals represent a broader class or role, emphasizing the diverse ways in which God's people approach Him. The overall tone is one of **affirmation** and **celebration**, reinforcing the psalm's overarching theme of God's majestic and holy reign, which includes His gracious attentiveness to His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 99:6 profoundly illustrates the theological truth of God's active engagement with humanity, particularly through prayer. It demonstrates that the holy and just God, though transcendent, is also immanent and responsive to the cries of His people. The inclusion of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel underscores the continuity of divine responsiveness throughout Israel's history, establishing a pattern where faithful intercession leads to divine intervention. This verse affirms God's covenant faithfulness, showing that He honors His relationship with His chosen ones by hearing and answering their petitions, even when those petitions are for a sinful nation. It highlights the privilege and power of prayer as a divinely ordained means of communication and a channel for God's work in the world.

* [Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11 "Moses' Intercession for Israel After the Golden Calf")
* [Numbers 14:13-20](/numbers/14-13 "Moses' Plea for Forgiveness for the Spies' Rebellion")
* [1 Samuel 7:9-10](/1_samuel/7-9 "Samuel's Prayer Leading to Victory Over the Philistines")
* [1 Samuel 12:23](/1_samuel/12-23 "Samuel's Commitment to Pray for Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 99:6 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers today. It reminds us that the God of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel is unchanging—He is still the same holy, just, and merciful God who hears and answers prayer. Just as He responded to the earnest cries of these ancient leaders, He is attentive to our petitions. This should inspire unwavering confidence and persistence in our own prayer lives, knowing that our prayers are not merely monologues but vital dialogues with a responsive God. The examples of these intercessors challenge us to cultivate a life of fervent, dependent prayer, recognizing that our petitions can be a powerful channel for God's work in our lives, our communities, and the world. It calls us to approach God with reverence due to His holiness, yet with boldness, knowing His gracious willingness to hear and respond to those who call upon Him in truth and faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the example of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel encourage your own prayer life?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's "answering" in your life, and how does that affirm His character?**
* **What does it mean to "call upon the LORD" with sincerity and dependence in your daily walk?**
* **How does God's holiness (as emphasized in Psalm 99) relate to His responsiveness to prayer?**

### FAQ
**Why are Moses, Aaron, and Samuel specifically chosen in this verse?**

Answer: Moses, Aaron, and Samuel are chosen because they represent distinct yet crucial facets of Israel's relationship with God and the history of divine responsiveness. Moses was the foundational prophet and lawgiver, the one through whom God established His covenant and delivered His people ([Exodus 3:7-10](/exodus/3-7 "Exodus 3:7-10 - God Hears Israel's Cry")). Aaron was the first High Priest, establishing the mediatorial role of the priesthood in approaching God through sacrifice and intercession ([Leviticus 16:11-16](/leviticus/16-11 "Leviticus 16:11-16 - Aaron's Atonement for Himself and the People")). Samuel was a pivotal transitional figure, serving as the last judge, a prophet, and an anointer of kings, whose prayers were instrumental in national deliverance ([1 Samuel 7:9](/1_samuel/7-9 "1 Samuel 7:9 - Samuel Cries Out to the Lord")). Together, they illustrate God's consistent responsiveness to His chosen leaders across different eras and roles—prophetic, priestly, and judicial—demonstrating that God hears and acts through various forms of faithful intercession.

**Does this verse imply that God only answers the prayers of great leaders?**

Answer: While the verse highlights great leaders, the inclusion of "Samuel among them that call upon his name" broadens the scope beyond just the formal priesthood or the uniquely privileged. "Them that call upon his name" refers to all who sincerely invoke God's name in faith and dependence. This phrase indicates that God's responsiveness extends to all His faithful people, not exclusively to those in positions of high leadership. The leaders are presented as exemplary figures, demonstrating the power of prayer for all believers. The broader context of the Psalms, and indeed the entire Bible, consistently affirms that God hears and answers the prayers of all His righteous and humble servants (e.g., [Psalms 145:18](/psalms/145-18 "Psalm 145:18 - The Lord is Near to All Who Call on Him"), [Jeremiah 33:3](/jeremiah/33-3 "Jeremiah 33:3 - Call to Me and I Will Answer You")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 99:6, with its emphasis on God's responsiveness to the prayers of His chosen intercessors, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Moses, Aaron, and Samuel served as types of mediators and intercessors, their work was always partial and temporary, pointing forward to the perfect and eternal mediation of Christ. Jesus is the ultimate Prophet, greater than Moses, who perfectly reveals God's will and speaks His truth ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses"), [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")). He is the eternal High Priest, superior to Aaron, who offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for sins, thereby opening a new and living way for all believers to approach God's throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, Jesus embodies the spirit of Samuel, being the ultimate intercessor who continually pleads for His people before the Father ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession for Believers"), [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Always Lives to Intercede")). The psalmist's declaration that "they called upon the LORD, and he answered them" finds its supreme echo in the Father's perfect responsiveness to the Son's prayers, culminating in His resurrection and exaltation ([John 11:41-42](/john/11-41 "John 11:41-42 - Jesus Prays Before Lazarus' Resurrection")). Thus, the access to a holy and responsive God, exemplified by these Old Testament figures, is fully realized and made available to all through the mediatorial work of Jesus Christ, our King, Prophet, and High Priest.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 15:1

¶ Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, [yet] my mind [could] not [be] toward this people: cast [them] out of my sight, and let them go forth.

Exodus 24:6

And Moses took half of the blood, and put [it] in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.

Exodus 24:8

And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled [it] on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.

Exodus 15:25

And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, [which] when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,

Exodus 14:15

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

1 Samuel 7:9

And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered [it for] a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him.

1 Samuel 7:12

Then Samuel took a stone, and set [it] between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.