Psalm 99
Psalm 99 emphasizes the holiness, justice, and sovereignty of God. It portrays the Lord as reigning over all nations from His holy throne. This psalm calls for reverence toward God, reminding His people of His righteousness and how He answers those who call on Him. Through this focus on God’s rule, it invites worshipers to exalt Him for His justice and mercy.
Psalm 99:1 (NKJV)
1 The Lord reigns;
Let the peoples tremble!
He dwells between the cherubim;
Let the earth be moved!
The psalm opens by proclaiming God's sovereign reign over the earth. His presence between the cherubim alludes to the mercy seat in the temple, symbolizing His divine authority. This image evokes awe and fear, calling people to recognize God’s majesty, which causes both reverence and trembling among the nations.
Psalm 99:2 (NKJV)
2 The Lord is great in Zion,
And He is high above all the peoples.
God’s greatness is particularly revealed in Zion, emphasizing that His presence with His people elevates Him above all other nations. This points to God’s unique relationship with His covenant people while asserting His supremacy over the entire earth.
Psalm 99:3 (NKJV)
3 Let them praise Your great and awesome name—
He is holy.
This verse encourages all to praise God’s name, recognizing His holiness. God's name reflects His character, which is both great and awe-inspiring, calling for worship from all creation.
Psalm 99:4 (NKJV)
4 The King’s strength also loves justice;
You have established equity;
You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
God’s strength is not arbitrary but is expressed in His love for justice. He establishes fairness and righteousness among His people, showing that His rule is marked by justice that is both impartial and merciful toward His covenant community.
Psalm 99:5 (NKJV)
5 Exalt the Lord our God,
And worship at His footstool—
He is holy.
This verse invites believers to exalt God and bow in worship at His footstool, which may refer to the temple or the earth beneath His reign. The declaration of God’s holiness serves as the foundation for this worship, emphasizing His moral perfection and separateness from all creation.
Psalm 99:6 (NKJV)
6 Moses and Aaron were among His priests,
And Samuel was among those who called upon His name;
They called upon the Lord, and He answered them.
The psalm recalls leaders like Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, who interceded on behalf of the people. Their example highlights God’s faithfulness in responding to those who call on Him, affirming His readiness to hear the prayers of His people.
Psalm 99:7 (NKJV)
7 He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar;
They kept His testimonies and the ordinance He gave them.
God communicated directly with Israel’s leaders through the pillar of cloud, symbolizing His presence and guidance. Their obedience to His laws shows the importance of following God's ordinances, which were given to maintain a right relationship with Him.
Psalm 99:8 (NKJV)
8 You answered them, O Lord our God;
You were to them God-Who-Forgives,
Though You took vengeance on their deeds.
God is praised as both a forgiving and just God. While He showed mercy, He also disciplined the people for their wrongdoings. This balance reflects God’s character, where mercy does not negate justice, but both work together for the good of His people.
Psalm 99:9 (NKJV)
9 Exalt the Lord our God,
And worship at His holy hill;
For the Lord our God is holy.
The final verse calls for the exaltation of God and worship at His holy hill, likely referring to Mount Zion. The repetition of God's holiness throughout the psalm underscores that His moral purity and divine nature make Him worthy of worship from all people.