Unknown
Psalm 99
Scripture (KJV)
1The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.
2The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people.
3Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.
4The king’s strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.
5Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.
6Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.
7He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.
8Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.
9Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.
Summary
Psalm 99 is the final enthronement psalm in the sequence of Psalms 93–100, celebrating the LORD’s reign with an emphasis on His holiness. It opens, "The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved." The LORD is great in Zion and high above all the people. His name is great and terrible, and it is holy. The king’s strength loves judgment; He establishes equity and executes judgment and righteousness in Jacob. The people are to exalt the LORD their God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy.
The second half recalls the examples of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, who called upon the LORD and were answered. He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar; they kept His testimonies and the ordinance He gave them. The LORD answered them and was a God who forgave them, though He took vengeance on their inventions. The psalm closes with the same call as verse 5 but with a deeper location: "Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy." The threefold repetition of "holy" (verses 3, 5, 9) frames the entire psalm.
The major themes are God’s reign, holiness, justice, prayer, and forgiveness. Practically, the psalm teaches that the holy God is both just and forgiving, and that those who call upon Him are answered. The great lesson is: the LORD our God is holy—exalt Him and worship at His holy hill.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 99
LORD, You reign! Let the people tremble; You sit between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. You are great in Zion and high above all the people. I praise Your great and terrible name, for it is holy. Your strength loves judgment; You establish equity and execute righteousness in Jacob. I exalt You, LORD my God, and worship at Your footstool, for You are holy. Like Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, I call upon Your name; answer me. You spoke in the cloudy pillar and gave Your testimonies and ordinances. You answered Your servants and forgave them, though You disciplined their inventions. I exalt You, LORD my God, and worship at Your holy hill, for the LORD my God is holy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1What does it mean that the LORD sits "between the cherubims"?
- 2How does the threefold "holy" in verses 3, 5, and 9 frame the whole psalm?
- 3What can I learn from Moses, Aaron, and Samuel about calling upon the LORD?
- 4How are God’s justice and forgiveness held together in this psalm?
Related Psalms
Psalm 96
“O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.”
A missionary hymn calling all nations to ascribe glory to the Lord as King.
Read morePsalm 97
“The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.”
The Lord reigns in righteousness; His light dawns for the upright.
Read morePsalm 98
“O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.”
A new song for God’s victory; all creation joins the praise.
Read morePsalm 93
“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.”
A short hymn to the Lord as King, reigning above the floods.
Read morePsalm 100
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.”
A universal call to joyful worship; the Lord is good, His mercy everlasting.
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