Psalms Chapter 99 — The Holiness of the Lord
This psalm celebrates God's reign and holiness, calling everyone to praise His name and remember how He answered the leaders of old.
1The LORD reigns! Let the peoples tremble.
2The LORD is great in Zion.
3Let them praise your great and awesome name.
4The King’s strength also loves justice.
5Exalt the LORD our God.
6Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
7He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud.
8You answered them, LORD our God.
9Exalt the LORD, our God.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Psalm 99:1
“The LORD reigns! Let the peoples tremble. He sits enthroned between the cherubim; let the earth be moved.”
This verse establishes God's absolute authority and majesty over all the earth.
Psalm 99:9
“Exalt the LORD, our God, and worship at his holy hill, for the LORD, our God, is holy!”
This concluding verse summarizes the psalm's central call to worship based on God's character.
Chapter Summary
Psalm 99 highlights the sovereignty and holiness of the Lord, who reigns from Zion and is enthroned between the cherubim. The text calls for all nations to tremble and praise His awesome name because He loves justice and establishes equity. It specifically identifies Moses, Aaron, and Samuel as examples of faithful leaders who called upon the Lord. God spoke to them from a pillar of cloud, and though He punished their misdeeds, He also answered their prayers and offered forgiveness. The psalm concludes with a repeated exhortation to exalt the Lord and worship at His holy mountain, emphasizing that the Lord our God is holy.
Frequently Asked Questions
The psalm mentions Moses, Aaron, and Samuel as examples of those who called upon God's name. It notes that God answered them and spoke to them from a pillar of cloud.
The psalm emphasizes God's holiness, repeating the phrase 'He is holy' or 'the Lord our God is holy' multiple times. It also highlights His love for justice and equity.
The text describes the Lord as being 'great in Zion' and 'enthroned between the cherubim.' This imagery signifies His presence among His people and His divine authority.
Study Note
Psalm 99 is often classified as an 'Enthronement Psalm,' distinct for its three-part structure that concludes each section with a declaration of God's holiness.
Related Chapters
Psalm 97
Both chapters celebrate the Lord's reign and the response of the earth to His presence.
Exodus 33
Provides historical context for God speaking to Moses from the pillar of cloud mentioned in this psalm.
1 Samuel 12
Relates to the mention of Samuel as a leader who called upon the name of the Lord.
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