they kept His decrees
The decrees refer to the laws and commandments given by God to the Israelites, primarily through Moses. These decrees were part of the covenant relationship established at Mount Sinai, as detailed in Exodus 19-24. Keeping these decrees was a sign of Israel's obedience and faithfulness to God. The emphasis on obedience highlights the conditional nature of the covenant, where blessings were contingent upon Israel's adherence to God's laws. This obedience is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, with blessings and curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28 as consequences of their faithfulness or rebellion.

and the statutes He gave them.
Statutes are specific laws or ordinances that God provided to govern the moral, ceremonial, and civil aspects of Israelite life. These statutes were designed to set Israel apart as a holy nation, distinct from surrounding peoples. They covered various aspects of daily life, including worship, justice, and social relations, as seen in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The giving of statutes reflects God's desire for order and righteousness among His people. In a broader biblical context, these statutes foreshadow the coming of Christ, who fulfills the law (Matthew 5:17) and establishes a new covenant based on grace and truth.

– “He spoke” underscores God’s initiative. He is not silent; He reveals Himself and His will.

• Exodus 19:19 shows the Lord’s voice thundering at Sinai, directly addressing His covenant people.

• Hebrews 1:1-2 reminds us that God, who spoke long ago, ultimately speaks in His Son.

• The verb stresses personal relationship: the Creator communicates with His redeemed people.

– “Them” points to Moses, Aaron, and Samuel (see Psalm 99:6) and, by extension, the nation they represented.

• Exodus 33:11 records the Lord speaking to Moses “face to face.”

• Numbers 12:5-8 distinguishes Moses as uniquely entrusted with clear revelation, yet the nation benefits through him.

• 1 Samuel 3:10 shows God continuing to speak to His servants, keeping the line of communication open for Israel’s good.

– The “pillar of cloud” is a concrete sign of God’s presence and guidance.

• Exodus 13:21-22 describes the cloud leading Israel by day, an unfailing visual reminder that God was with them.

• Exodus 33:9-10 reports the cloud descending at the tent of meeting when the Lord conversed with Moses, prompting worship.

• Numbers 14:14 notes surrounding nations hearing that God visibly accompanied Israel, enhancing His glory among the nations.

– The proper response to divine revelation is obedience.

• Deuteronomy 4:1 commands Israel to “listen to the statutes…so that you may live.”

• Joshua 1:7 connects careful obedience with success and courage in the land.

• Psalm 119:4 praises the Lord for laying down precepts “that are to be fully obeyed,” echoing this verse’s commendation.

– God not only speaks; He legislates for their welfare, holiness, and distinctiveness.

• Exodus 20:1-17 lists the foundational statutes—the Ten Commandments—delivered amid fire and cloud.

• Leviticus 18:4-5 frames obedience to statutes as the path to life.

• Nehemiah 9:13-14 reflects on Sinai: God “came down on Mount Sinai and spoke…You gave them upright judgments and true laws.”

Psalm 99:7 celebrates a holy God who makes Himself known, dwells with His people visibly, and calls them to faithful obedience. The verse links revelation (“He spoke”), presence (“from the pillar of cloud”), and response (“they kept His decrees”) into a seamless pattern: God initiates, guides, and commands; His people hear, trust, and obey. Such remembrance stirs renewed awe and commitment to live under the same unchanging Word today.