1. (A psalm. For thanksgiving.)
2. Let the whole earth keep holiday in God’s honour; pay to the Lord the homage of your rejoicing, appear in his presence with glad hearts.
3. Learn that it is the Lord, no other, who is God; his we are, he it was that made us; we are his own people, sheep of his own pasturing.
4. Pass through these gates, enter these courts of his, with hymns of praise, give him thanks, and bless his name.
5. Gracious is the Lord, everlasting his mercy; age after age, he is faithful to his promise still.
Footnotes:
99:1 - The Lord reigns, let the peoples tremble. God's majesty causes the nations to tremble before His holiness. God's throne is above the cherubim, symbolizing His glorious presence (see also Exodus 25:22 and Psalm 80:1).
99:3 - Let them praise your great and awesome name. God's name is holy and inspires reverence. God's people should recognize the greatness of His name and continually praise it (see also Exodus 3:14 and Revelation 4:11).
99:4 - The King is strong and loves justice. God rules with justice and righteousness. His love for justice is reflected in His actions, bringing equity to His people (see also Psalm 11:7 and Isaiah 9:7).
99:6-7 - Moses, Aaron, and Samuel are presented as faithful intercessors who cried out to God and were heard. This highlights the importance of prayer and intercession in one's relationship with God (see also Jeremiah 15:1 and Exodus 32:11).
99:9 - Exalt the Lord our God. The Psalm closes with a call to worship and exalt God, who is holy and worthy of all praise (see also Revelation 15:4 and Psalm 95:6).
Verses related to Psalms, 99:
Psalm 99 exalts the holiness of God as King. How can we respond to divine majesty and holiness? This solemn psalm proclaims the reign of God, emphasizing His holiness three times. The text mentions historical leaders of Israel as examples of communion with God. Themes such as divine transcendence, justice, forgiveness and reverent worship are explored. Psalm 99 calls us to holy fear and obedience to God. Consider with us five biblical passages that expand on the themes of this reverent psalm.
Isaiah 6:3: "And they proclaimed to one another, 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.'" - This song of the seraphim in heaven reflects the holiness of God proclaimed in Psalm 99:3,5,9.
Exodus 34:5-7: "Then the Lord descended in the cloud and was there with Moses, and proclaimed his name: Lord. And he passed before Moses, proclaiming: 'Lord, Lord, God compassionate and merciful, patient, full of love and faithfulness...'" - This revelation of God's character to Moses aligns with the description of God in Psalm 99:8 as forgiving but also as one who punishes error.
1 Peter 1:16: "For it is written: 'Be holy, for I am holy.'" - Peter quotes from Leviticus, echoing the theme of God's holiness emphasized in Psalm 99.
Jeremiah 15:1: "Then the Lord said to me, 'Even if Moses and Samuel were before me, my heart would not turn with compassion toward these people. Drive them out of my presence! Let them go!'" - This passage mentions Moses and Samuel as intercessors, as does Psalm 99:6.
Revelation 4:8: "Each of them had six wings and was full of eyes, around and under the wings. Day and night they repeat without ceasing: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord, the Almighty God, who was, who is, and who is to come.'" - This heavenly song in Revelation echoes the threefold declaration of God's holiness in Psalm 99:3,5,9.
FAQ:
What does Psalm 99 reveal about God's holiness?
Psalm 99 extols God's holiness, affirming that He is high above all nations and worthy of worship for His purity and righteousness. (Psalm 99:3)
What does the "fear" of God mean in Psalm 99?
The “fear” of God in Psalm 99 refers to reverent respect, worship, and submission before His holiness and majesty. (Psalm 99:1-5)
How does Psalm 99 describe God's government?
Psalm 99 describes God as a sovereign King who rules with justice and holiness. His rule brings order and righteousness, and He answers the righteous. (Psalm 99:4-5)
What is the importance of repentance in Psalm 99?
Psalm 99 highlights God's mercy in answering the prayers of the righteous, and how the leaders of the people repented and sought divine grace. (Psalm 99:6-8)
How does Psalm 99 urge worship of God?
Psalm 99 exhorts reverent worship of God, remembering His holiness, His power, and His justice. He is to be worshiped with awe and exaltation. (Psalm 99:9)
