Psalm 99 – A Detailed Explanation

Introduction

Psalm 99 is the final psalm in a cluster known as the “Royal Psalms” (Psalms 93–99), which celebrate the reign of God as King over all the earth. Psalm 99, in particular, emphasizes God’s holiness, justice, and sovereign authority. It is a majestic and reverent declaration that calls people to worship the Lord with awe and trembling, acknowledging His supreme rule over nations, His justice, and His faithfulness to His people.

The psalm is often used in both Jewish and Christian worship traditions to express reverence and awe before God's majestic presence. It contains strong theological themes of holiness, righteousness, divine kingship, and covenantal faithfulness.

Structure of Psalm 99

Psalm 99 has a tripartite structure, each section closing with the refrain "He is holy" (or a variant of it). These three sections highlight different aspects of God's character and governance:

Verses 1–3 – God’s universal reign and holiness.
Verses 4–5 – God’s love for justice and equity.
Verses 6–9 – God’s responsiveness to His people through intercession and mercy.

Each section ends with an emphasis on God’s holiness, reinforcing the main theme.

Text of Psalm 99 (ESV)

1 The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!
He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
2 The Lord is great in Zion;
he is exalted over all the peoples.
3 Let them praise your great and awesome name!
Holy is he!

4 The King in his might loves justice.
You have established equity;
you have executed justice
and righteousness in Jacob.
5 Exalt the Lord our God;
worship at his footstool!
Holy is he!

6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
Samuel also was among those who called upon his name.
They called to the Lord, and he answered them.
7 In the pillar of the cloud he spoke to them;
they kept his testimonies
and the statute that he gave them.
8 O Lord our God, you answered them;
you were a forgiving God to them,
but an avenger of their wrongdoings.
9 Exalt the Lord our God,
and worship at his holy mountain;
for the Lord our God is holy!

Verse-by-Verse Commentary

Verses 1–3: The Lord Reigns – Universal Awe and Praise

1 "The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!"

This opening proclamation declares God’s sovereignty. The phrase "The Lord reigns" (YHWH malak) is a central claim of the Royal Psalms. It’s not only a theological truth but a political one—asserting that no earthly king rivals the power of God. The result of this reign is awe and trembling among "the peoples"—a term that likely includes both Israel and the nations.

"He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!"

This imagery draws from the Ark of the Covenant, where God was understood to dwell “between the cherubim” (cf. Exodus 25:22). It’s an image of divine majesty and unapproachable holiness. The earth quaking is a common biblical motif of God’s powerful presence (cf. Exodus 19:18).

2 "The Lord is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples."

Though God dwells in Zion (Jerusalem), His kingship and majesty transcend national boundaries. He is exalted over all peoples, highlighting His universal rule.

3 "Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is he!"

This verse ends the first section with a call to worship. God’s name represents His character and essence, which is described as great and awesome (or “fearsome”). The declaration “Holy is He” sets the tone for the rest of the psalm.

Verses 4–5: The King of Justice

4 "The King in his might loves justice. You have established equity;"

God’s strength is not arbitrary; it is directed toward justice. Unlike human rulers who may abuse power, God's strength upholds fairness and equity. This is a powerful theological statement: holiness is expressed through justice.

"You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob."

God’s justice is not merely cosmic or philosophical—it is historical and relational. In “Jacob” (a name for Israel), God’s justice has been revealed through His laws, prophets, judgments, and acts of deliverance.

5 "Exalt the Lord our God; worship at his footstool! Holy is he!"

This echoes verse 3 but adds the idea of worshiping at God’s footstool, often a metaphor for the temple (cf. 1 Chronicles 28:2). The call to “exalt” God and bow in humility is a liturgical movement—from awe to submission.

Verses 6–9: God’s Response to His People

6 "Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called upon his name."

The psalm moves from cosmic kingship to historical intercessors—those who represented the people before God. Moses, Aaron, and Samuel are key figures known for their role in prayer and leadership.

"They called to the Lord, and he answered them."

This reassures the community of God’s faithfulness to respond to His people. Prayer is effective not because of human merit but because of God’s mercy and covenant love.

7 "In the pillar of the cloud he spoke to them;"

A reference to God’s manifest presence during the Exodus. The pillar of cloud was both a guide and a visible sign of God’s closeness and authority.

"They kept his testimonies and the statute that he gave them."

This highlights the importance of obedience to God’s revealed word. The ideal leader in Israel was one who not only prayed but obeyed God’s law.

8 "O Lord our God, you answered them; you were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings."

This verse captures a crucial biblical tension: God is both forgiving and just. He does not overlook sin, but neither does He destroy His people for every failure. This is covenantal discipline—God corrects out of love, not wrath.

9 "Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy!"

The psalm concludes with another call to exaltation and worship, this time at God’s holy mountain (Zion). The repetition of “for the Lord our God is holy” emphasizes that every aspect of God's interaction with the world is rooted in His holiness.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Kingship

Psalm 99 boldly proclaims that God reigns—not just over Israel, but over all peoples. This is not a passive reign; God actively governs, judges, and intervenes in history.

2. Holiness

The repeated refrain “Holy is He” (vv. 3, 5, 9) drives home the theme of God’s absolute moral perfection and otherness. Holiness here encompasses majesty, purity, justice, and transcendence.

3. Justice and Righteousness

God’s kingship is marked not by tyranny but by righteous governance. Justice is not optional—it is intrinsic to God's identity.

4. Covenant and Mercy

Despite His holiness, God remains approachable to those who call upon Him, as shown in the examples of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. God answers prayers, forgives sin, but also disciplines in love.

5. Worship and Reverence

The psalm calls for exaltation, bowing, and praise. The proper human response to God’s holiness and kingship is worship—done in reverence, humility, and joy.

Literary Features

Repetition: The phrase "Holy is He" serves as a refrain, anchoring each stanza with theological emphasis.
Parallelism: A common feature of Hebrew poetry, many verses consist of paired or synonymous lines (e.g., v. 2 and v. 4).
Imagery: The imagery of cherubim, footstool, cloud, and holy mountain evokes both temple worship and divine transcendence.
Historical Allusion: References to Moses, Aaron, and Samuel root the psalm in Israel’s sacred history.

Use in Worship and Liturgy

Psalm 99 has been traditionally used in liturgical settings, especially during:

Feast of Tabernacles – Celebrating God’s kingship and provision.
Rosh Hashanah – The Jewish New Year, emphasizing God's rule and judgment.
Christian worship – Especially on Christ the King Sunday or in services focused on God’s holiness.

Its calls to “exalt the Lord” and to “worship at His footstool” make it highly suitable for corporate worship.

Christological Reflection

For Christian readers, Psalm 99 also points forward to Christ, the perfect manifestation of God’s kingship, holiness, and justice. Jesus is both divine and the ultimate intercessor—fulfilling the roles of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. In Him, the holiness of God meets humanity in grace and truth.

Conclusion

Psalm 99 stands as a timeless call to acknowledge God’s sovereign reign, to marvel at His holiness, to trust in His justice, and to approach Him with reverent worship. It brings together transcendent themes—divine majesty, historical faithfulness, intercession, forgiveness, and righteousness—into a unified praise of the one true King.

In a world where human powers rise and fall, Psalm 99 reminds us that “The Lord reigns” and His holiness and justice will prevail. It calls us to live in awe of God, to walk in obedience, and to find hope in His enduring mercy.

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Tuesday, April 8, 2025