Bible Commentaries
Psalms 99

Verses 1-9

Psalms 99

Holy Is the Lord

This psalm sets forth the holy reign of the Lord in three ways: 1) First in His name, v. 1-3; 2) Second in His judgment, v. 4, 5; and 3) Third in His dealings with men, v. 6-9.

Scripture v. 1-9:

Verse 1 announces that the Lord continually reigns, as king-absolute at which thought all people should tremble. He is described as continually sitting between the cherubim, over the Ark of the covenant, judging righteously, Psalms 80:1; 2 Samuel 6:2. All the earth is called to stagger in awe of Him, Isaiah 19:14; See also Exodus 25:22; Exodus 40:35; Or tremble, as in anger, Psalms 4:4; Ephesians 4:26; Revelation 11:17-18; Hebrews 9:5.

Verses 2, 3 extol the name of the Lord (Jehovah) as great in Zion, and "high above all people," Psalms 48:1. All the people are called to praise his "great and terrible name," because it is holy, Deuteronomy 3:24. See also 1 Chronicles 29:11; Leviticus 22:2; Psalms 9:11.

Verse 4 asserts that the Lord with omnipotent (all powerful) strength also loves to exert judgment upon the wicked and oppressors of the poor and the righteous. He establishes equity, justice, and righteousness in Jacob, Israel, His people, Psalms 11:7; Psalms 98:9; Isaiah 11:4; Deuteronomy 32:4; 2 Samuel 8:15.

Verse 5 appeals "exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is (exists as) holy," or at his feet; Bow and humble yourself before Him, not before statutes or idols, Luke 18:14; Isaiah 66:1; Leviticus 19:2; See also Exodus 15:11; Deuteronomy 26:10; Psalms 21:13; Psalms 108:5;1 Chronicles 28:2; Zechariah 14:17.

Verse 6 illustrates that He is a prayer hearing God to whom Moses, Aaron, and Samuel prayed, and He answered them as, law giver, priest, and judge in Israel; he has heard, hears, and will hear those who call on Him still, Exodus 2:2; Exodus 4:14; 1 Samuel 1:20; Jeremiah 15:1; Psalms 5:3; Psalms 4; Psalms 40:1-3; Psalms 145:18-19; Job 34:28.

Verse 7 relates that God spoke to Israel in a cloudy pillar, from Sinai; They heard and kept his testimonies, and the ordinances that He gave them, though not with a perfect heart, Exodus 19:9; Exodus 33:9; Deuteronomy 31:15; Numbers 12:5. See also Exodus 13:21; Genesis 6:22;1 Samuel 8:6; 1 Samuel 15:11.

Verse 8 relates that God answered His people Israel, and forgave them when they did evil, repented, and turned back to Him in harmony with His law and testimonies, a thing He will still do toward His people today, 1 John 1:9; 1 John 2:1-2. See too Exodus 3:7. He revenged their sins, Deuteronomy 9:20.

Verse 9 concludes with an exhortation to "exalt the Lord our God and worship at His holy hill (Zion);" corresponding to the church in this age, Ephesians 3:21; Hebrews 10:24-25. Such is to be done, because the Lord Jehovah our God is holy, to be followed, obeyed, and worshipped, Mark 8:34-37; John 4:24. See also Psalms 29; Psalms 2; Deuteronomy 26:10; Exodus 15:22; Isaiah 6:3. His righteous and just acts are a fruit of His holy, sinless nature.