Psalms 99
Psalm 99 proclaims that God is King over all the earth, and it is a hymn that sings of His holiness, justice, and faithful rule over His people. This chapter reveals the absolute majesty of God that all the earth—not only Israel—should worship.
1verseThe LORD reigns! Let the peoples tremble. He sits enthroned among the cherubim. Let the earth be moved.
2verseThe LORD is great in Zion. He is high above all the peoples.
3verseLet them praise your great and awesome name. He is Holy!
4verseThe King’s strength also loves justice. You establish equity. You execute justice and righteousness in Jacob.
5verseExalt the LORD our God. Worship at his footstool. He is Holy!
6verseMoses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who call on his name. They called on the LORD, and he answered them.
7verseHe spoke to them in the pillar of cloud. They kept his testimonies, the statute that he gave them.
8verseYou answered them, LORD our God. You are a God who forgave them, although you took vengeance for their doings.
9verseExalt the LORD, our God. Worship at his holy hill, for the LORD, our God, is holy!
Structure and Key Content
Psalm 99 can be divided into three main parts.
- Verses 1-3: God is King; before His reign, all the people tremble, and His name proclaims His holiness.
- Verses 4-5: The passage emphasizes that God rules with justice, and that His reign is founded on righteousness and equity. It is followed by an exhortation to exalt Him on Mount Zion.
- Verses 6-9: It reminds us that leaders such as Moses, Aaron, and Samuel prayed to God, that God answered them, and that He showed them grace and forgiveness. Finally, it once again stresses God’s holiness as it concludes.
Overall Meaning of the Text
The psalmist continues to emphasize that God is not only King of Israel, but also sovereign over the entire world, and the Holy One. This song praises God’s righteousness and faithfulness, reminding all people that they should humbly worship before Him. The worshiping community is challenged to look back on themselves in the presence of God’s holiness and to live in accordance with His will.
Points to Ponder
- Take a moment to check whether you have an attitude of awe toward God’s reign and holiness.
- Remember that God loves justice and righteousness, and let’s think about whether we are striving to practice justice and fairness in our daily lives.
- Like people of faith of old, let’s reflect on whether we are approaching God in prayer every moment and living a life that trusts His responses and forgiveness.
Apply to Yourself
Today, let’s consider how I am responding to God’s holiness and righteousness. We can check whether, even in small daily matters, we are practicing a life that respects God’s will. Let’s restore the trust that in times of difficulty we pray to God and believe that He hears and responds.
