◄ Psalm 99 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
The LORD Reigns! (Psalm 93:1–5) 1The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake! 2Great is the LORD in Zion; He is exalted above all the peoples. 3Let them praise Your great and awesome name— He is holy!a 4The mighty King loves justice.b You have established equity; You have exercised justice and righteousness in Jacob. 5Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at His footstool; He is holy! 6Moses and Aaron were among His priests; Samuel was among those who called on His name. They called to the LORD and He answered. 7He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept His decrees and the statutes He gave them. 8O LORD our God, You answered them. You were a forgiving God to them, yet an avenger of their misdeeds. 9Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy. Footnotes: 3 a Or it is holy! 4 b Or The might of the King loves justice. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 99 Summary The LORD Reigns! Verses 1–3 – The Reigning King God sits enthroned between the cherubim, sending shock waves through the earth. His greatness fills Zion, and all peoples are called to lift up His “great and awesome name.” Holiness is the atmosphere of His throne. Verses 4–5 – Justice and Worship The mighty King loves what is right. He has built fairness into Israel’s life and urges His people to bow at His footstool, the place of His presence, because “He is holy!” Verses 6–7 – Priests and Prophets Heard Moses, Aaron, and Samuel—leaders who spoke to God and for God—prove that He answers those who call. From the pillar of cloud He guided them, and they obeyed His words. Verses 8–9 – Forgiver and Avenger God pardoned those leaders yet still dealt with their wrongs. The psalm closes by repeating the call: “Exalt the LORD our God…for the LORD our God is holy.” Psalm 99 is a profound song of praise that reverberates with the theme of God's majestic sovereignty and holiness. The Psalmist eloquently reflects on God's fair and just reign, his interactions with significant figures like Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, and the divine guidance God extends to His people. Historical Setting and Authorship Psalm 99 belongs to the “Yahweh-reigns” group (Psalm 93, 95–99). Though no author is named, its language fits the era after the ark found a permanent home in Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8:1–11). The repeated mention of God’s holiness and the call to global worship also suit the period when Israel’s prophets were reminding the nation of its priestly role among the nations (Exodus 19:5-6). Key Images • Enthroned between the cherubim (v. 1) – echoes the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:22). • Footstool (v. 5) – a Hebrew picture for the ark or the temple itself (1 Chronicles 28:2; Isaiah 66:1). • Pillar of cloud (v. 7) – the wilderness guide that revealed God’s presence (Exodus 13:21-22). The Character of God Highlighted 1. Supreme King – “The LORD reigns” (v. 1). Connect with 1 Samuel 8:7; Revelation 19:16. 2. Holy – repeated three times (vv. 3, 5, 9), an echo of Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8. 3. Just – “You have established equity” (v. 4). Tie in Deuteronomy 32:4. 4. Near and responsive – “He answered them” (vv. 6, 8). See Psalm 34:4-6. 5. Forgiving yet fair – “a forgiving God…yet an avenger” (v. 8). Compare Exodus 34:6-7; Romans 11:22. Structure and Flow • Call to tremble (v. 1) → recognition of greatness (v. 2) → call to praise (v. 3). • Assertion of justice (v. 4) → command to worship (v. 5). • Historical examples (vv. 6-7) → God’s dual response (v. 8). • Final call to exalt (v. 9). The pattern is praise-command, principle-application, guiding worshipers from awe to obedient response. Connections to Other Scriptures • Verse 1 and Psalm 18:7 – God’s reign shakes the earth. • Verse 3 with Psalm 111:9 – “holy and awesome is His name.” • Verse 4 with Isaiah 9:7 – the throne built on justice and righteousness. • Verses 6-7 with Jeremiah 15:1 – Moses and Samuel as intercessors. • Verse 8 with Numbers 20:12 – God forgave Moses yet disciplined him. • Verse 9 with Psalm 132:13-14 – Zion as God’s chosen dwelling. Archaeological and Cultural Notes • Cherubim imagery: reliefs from ancient Near Eastern palaces show winged creatures flanking thrones, underscoring royal power. Israel uniquely directed such imagery toward the invisible LORD. • “Footstool” inscriptions: Egyptian and Mesopotamian kings called conquered lands their footstools, matching the psalm’s picture of submission to God. • Pillar-of-cloud motif: travelers’ reports from Sinai note dust-devils and smoke columns that still rise in the desert, offering a visual aid for the biblical account. Lessons for Today • Reverence: God’s holiness still calls for humble awe. Hebrews 12:28-29 repeats the theme. • Justice: Those who rule in any sphere are to “love justice” as their King does (Micah 6:8). • Prayer: The examples of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel encourage believers to keep calling on God, confident He answers (James 5:16). • Balance: God forgives yet disciplines. Accepting both sides of His nature guards against cheap grace or paralyzing fear. • Global Vision: The psalm ends in Zion but summons “all the peoples” (v. 2). Matthew 28:19 carries that charge forward, sending worship beyond Israel to the world. Outline for Personal Study or Teaching 1. Throne Room Vision (vv. 1-3) – holiness produces trembling and praise. 2. Throne Foundation (vv. 4-5) – justice leads to worship. 3. Throne Witnesses (vv. 6-7) – past leaders confirm God’s responsiveness. 4. Throne Mercy and Might (vv. 8-9) – forgiveness and discipline, ending in elevated praise. Key Memory Lines • “The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble!” (v. 1) • “Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His footstool; He is holy!” (v. 5) • “Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.” (v. 9) In every age, Psalm 99 lifts eyes to the King whose holiness, justice, and mercy invite wholehearted worship. Connections to Additional Scriptures Isaiah 6:3 And they were calling to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.' This passage echoes the theme of God's holiness and glory. Revelation 4:8 Day and night they never stop saying: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.' The eternal worship of God's holiness in heaven. 1 Peter 1:15-16 But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.' A call for believers to pursue holiness in their lives. Teaching Points God's Sovereign Reign The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; He is enthroned above the cherubim, let the earth quake. (Psalm 99:1) The psalm begins with a declaration of God's supreme authority over all creation, emphasizing His position as the ultimate ruler. Holiness of God Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His footstool; He is holy! (Psalm 99:5) The holiness of God is a central theme, calling us to recognize His purity, righteousness, and separateness from sin. God's Justice and Righteousness The King is mighty, He loves justice. You have established equity; You have exercised justice and righteousness in Jacob. (Psalm 99:4) God's reign is characterized by justice and righteousness, reflecting His perfect moral nature. God's Faithfulness to His People Moses and Aaron were among His priests, and Samuel among those who called on His name. They called to the LORD and He answered. (Psalm 99:6) The psalm highlights God's faithfulness in responding to the prayers of His people, as exemplified by leaders like Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. Call to Worship Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy. (Psalm 99:9) The psalm concludes with a call to worship, urging us to exalt God and acknowledge His holiness. Practical Applications Reverence in Worship Approach worship with a heart of reverence, recognizing the holiness and majesty of God. Pursue Holiness Strive to live a life that reflects God's holiness, seeking to be set apart for His purposes. Trust in God's Justice In times of injustice, trust in God's perfect justice and righteousness, knowing that He will ultimately set things right. Prayerful Dependence Follow the example of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel by cultivating a life of prayer and dependence on God. Exalt God Daily Make it a daily practice to exalt God in your thoughts, words, and actions, acknowledging His sovereignty over your life. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The central figure in Psalm 99, the LORD is depicted as reigning and being exalted over all the nations. The psalm emphasizes His holiness and justice. The Hebrew name used here is "Yahweh" (יְהוָה), which is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. 2. Moses Mentioned in verse 6, Moses is described as one of the LORD's priests who called upon His name. Moses is a significant prophet and leader in Israel's history, known for leading the Israelites out of Egypt and receiving the Law at Mount Sinai. 3. Aaron Also mentioned in verse 6, Aaron is identified as one of the LORD's priests. He was Moses' brother and the first high priest of Israel, playing a crucial role in the establishment of the priesthood and the sacrificial system. 4. Samuel Mentioned in verse 6, Samuel is another figure who called upon the LORD's name. He was a prophet and judge in Israel, known for anointing the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. Places 1. Zion Zion is referenced in Psalm 99:2, which states, "The LORD is great in Zion; He is exalted above all the peoples." In a conservative Christian perspective, Zion is often understood as the spiritual and physical center of God's presence and rule. It is traditionally associated with Jerusalem, the city of David, and the location of the Temple. The Hebrew root for Zion is "צִיּוֹן" (Tziyon), which signifies a place of significance and holiness. 2. Jacob While not a physical location, Jacob is mentioned in Psalm 99:4, "The King is mighty, loving justice. You have established equity; You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob." In this context, Jacob represents the nation of Israel, the descendants of Jacob, and by extension, the people of God. The Hebrew root for Jacob is "יַעֲקֹב" (Ya'akov), which refers to the patriarch whose name was later changed to Israel. Events 1. The LORD Reigns The psalm begins by declaring the reign of the LORD, causing the peoples to tremble. This emphasizes God's supreme authority and power over all nations. The Hebrew word for "reigns" (מָלַךְ, malak) signifies God's sovereign rule. 2. God is Enthroned Between the Cherubim The psalm describes God as being enthroned between the cherubim, highlighting His divine presence and majesty. The imagery of cherubim is rooted in the Hebrew tradition of the Ark of the Covenant, where God's presence was believed to dwell. 3. The LORD is Great in Zion The psalm proclaims the greatness of the LORD in Zion, His holy mountain. This underscores the special relationship between God and His chosen people, Israel, and the significance of Jerusalem as a spiritual center. 4. Exalt the LORD and Worship at His Footstool The psalm calls for the exaltation of the LORD and worship at His footstool, which is a metaphor for the earth or the temple. The Hebrew word for "footstool" (הֲדֹם, hadom) signifies a place of submission and reverence. 5. God's Justice and Righteousness The psalm highlights God's love for justice and righteousness, establishing equity among His people. This reflects God's moral character and His role as a just ruler. 6. Moses, Aaron, and Samuel Called Upon the LORD The psalm recounts how Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, as leaders and intercessors, called upon the LORD, and He answered them. This emphasizes God's responsiveness to His faithful servants. 7. God Spoke to Them from the Pillar of Cloud The psalm recalls how God communicated with His people through the pillar of cloud, a symbol of His guidance and presence during the Exodus. 8. God Forgave and Avenged Their Misdeeds The psalm acknowledges God's forgiveness of His people's sins while also avenging their misdeeds, demonstrating His mercy and justice. 9. Exalt the LORD and Worship at His Holy Mountain The psalm concludes with a call to exalt the LORD and worship at His holy mountain, reiterating the theme of God's holiness and the appropriate response of worship. Lessons from Psalm 99 1. The Lord Reigns Supreme Psalm 99:1 declares, "The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble." This verse reminds us of God's ultimate authority over all creation. In a world filled with uncertainty, we can find peace knowing that God is in control. His reign is not just a distant reality but a present truth that impacts our daily lives. Embrace His sovereignty and let it guide your actions and decisions. 2. Holiness is His Nature Verse 3 states, "Let them praise Your great and awesome name—He is holy!" Holiness is not just an attribute of God; it is His very essence. As believers, we are called to reflect His holiness in our lives. This means setting ourselves apart from worldly influences and striving to live in a way that honors Him. Let His holiness inspire you to pursue righteousness. 3. Justice is Central to His Rule "The King is mighty, He loves justice," says verse 4. God's justice is perfect and unwavering. In a world where justice can often seem elusive, we can trust that God will ultimately set things right. This assurance allows us to act justly in our own lives, knowing that we are aligning ourselves with His divine will. 4. Worship is Our Response Verse 5 encourages us, "Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His footstool; He is holy!" Worship is not just a Sunday activity; it is a lifestyle. When we recognize God's holiness and justice, our natural response should be to worship Him with our whole hearts. Let worship be the rhythm of your life, drawing you closer to God each day. 5. God Answers Prayer In verse 6, we read about Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, who "called upon the LORD, and He answered them." This is a powerful reminder that God hears and responds to our prayers. No matter how big or small your concerns may be, bring them to God in prayer. Trust that He listens and will answer according to His perfect will. 6. Obedience is Key Verse 7 highlights that God "spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept His decrees and the statutes He gave them." Obedience to God's Word is crucial for a thriving relationship with Him. As you study Scripture, seek to apply its truths to your life. Obedience is not a burden but a pathway to experiencing God's blessings. 7. Forgiveness is Available "You answered them, O LORD our God; You were a forgiving God to them," says verse 8. God's forgiveness is a gift that is always available to us. No matter how far we may stray, His grace is sufficient to cover our sins. Embrace His forgiveness and extend it to others, reflecting His love and mercy in your relationships. 8. God is Worthy of Exaltation Verse 9 calls us to "Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy." Exalting God means lifting Him high above all else in our lives. It means prioritizing Him in our thoughts, words, and actions. As you exalt God, you will find that your perspective shifts, aligning more closely with His. 9. Reverence is Essential The psalm repeatedly emphasizes God's holiness, urging us to approach Him with reverence. This reverence is not about fear but about awe and respect for who God is. Let this reverence guide your interactions with Him, fostering a deeper, more meaningful relationship. 10. God's Presence is Transformative Throughout Psalm 99, we see that God's presence is transformative. When we draw near to Him, we are changed. His holiness, justice, and love shape us into His likeness. Seek His presence daily, and allow Him to transform you from the inside out, equipping you to live a life that glorifies Him. These lessons from Psalm 99 remind us of the greatness of our God and the privilege we have to know and serve Him. Let these truths inspire and guide you as you walk in faith. Topics 1. The Lord's Sovereignty and Holiness Psalm 99 begins by emphasizing the Lord's reign and His holiness. The psalmist declares, "The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble. He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake" (Psalm 99:1). The Hebrew word for "reigns" (מָלַךְ, malak) underscores God's sovereign rule over all creation, highlighting His supreme authority and the reverence due to Him. 2. God's Justice and Righteousness The psalm continues by affirming God's commitment to justice and righteousness: "The King is mighty, He loves justice. You have established equity; You have exercised justice and righteousness in Jacob" (Psalm 99:4). The Hebrew term for "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) and "righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tzedakah) reflect God's moral perfection and His fair governance, which are central to His character. 3. Worship at His Holy Mountain The call to worship is a significant theme, as seen in the exhortation: "Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His footstool; He is holy!" (Psalm 99:5). The Hebrew word for "worship" (שָׁחָה, shachah) implies bowing down in reverence, indicating the appropriate response to God's holiness and majesty. 4. God's Faithfulness to His People The psalm recounts God's faithfulness to His people through the examples of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel: "Moses and Aaron were among His priests, and Samuel among those who called on His name. They called to the LORD and He answered" (Psalm 99:6). This highlights God's responsiveness and covenant faithfulness, as He listens and answers those who seek Him. 5. Forgiveness and Discipline The psalm also addresses God's forgiveness and discipline: "O LORD our God, You answered them. You were a forgiving God to them, yet an avenger of their misdeeds" (Psalm 99:8). The Hebrew word for "forgiving" (נָשָׂא, nasa) conveys the idea of lifting or carrying away sin, while "avenger" (נָקַם, naqam) indicates God's righteous judgment against wrongdoing, balancing mercy with justice. 6. Exaltation of God's Holiness The psalm concludes with a final call to exalt God's holiness: "Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy" (Psalm 99:9). The repetition of God's holiness (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) throughout the psalm underscores its centrality to His nature and the appropriate response of reverence and worship from His people. Themes 1. The Holiness of God Psalm 99 emphasizes the holiness of God, a central theme that underscores His purity and separateness from sin. The Hebrew word for holy, "קָדוֹשׁ" (qadosh), is used to describe God's nature. The psalm declares, "Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His footstool; He is holy!" (Psalm 99:5). 2. God's Sovereignty and Kingship The psalm portrays God as the supreme ruler over all the earth. It begins with, "The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble" (Psalm 99:1). This theme highlights God's ultimate authority and control over creation, reflecting the Hebrew concept of "מָלַךְ" (malak), meaning to reign or be king. 3. God's Justice and Righteousness Justice is a key attribute of God's character in Psalm 99. The psalm states, "The King is mighty, He loves justice—You have established equity; You have exercised justice and righteousness in Jacob" (Psalm 99:4). The Hebrew word "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat) refers to God's fair and just governance. 4. The Worship of God Worship is a recurring theme, as the psalm calls believers to exalt and worship God. "Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy" (Psalm 99:9). This reflects the Hebrew practice of "שָׁחָה" (shachah), meaning to bow down or prostrate oneself in reverence. 5. God's Faithfulness to His People The psalm recounts God's faithfulness to Israel through His interactions with leaders like Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. "Moses and Aaron were among His priests, Samuel was among those who called on His name" (Psalm 99:6). This theme emphasizes God's consistent and covenantal relationship with His people. 6. The Fear of the Lord The psalm encourages a reverent fear of God, acknowledging His power and majesty. "Let them praise Your great and awesome name—He is holy!" (Psalm 99:3). The Hebrew word "יָרֵא" (yare) conveys a sense of awe and respect towards God. Prayer Points Praise for God's Holiness Thank God for His holiness and majesty, and praise Him for His sovereign rule over all creation. Desire for Personal Holiness Ask God to help you grow in holiness and to live a life that reflects His character. Trust in God's Justice Pray for trust in God's justice, especially in situations where you see or experience injustice. Commitment to Worship Commit to worshiping God with reverence and awe, exalting Him in every aspect of your life. Faithfulness in Prayer Seek God's help to be faithful in prayer, following the example of the faithful leaders mentioned in Psalm 99. Answering Tough Questions 1. Psalm 99:1 states the earth trembles when the Lord reigns; how do we address the lack of historical or geological evidence for such a quake? 2. Psalm 99:5 calls for worship at God’s footstool; if this footstool is literal, why is there no archaeological record or clear location for it? 3. Psalm 99:6 mentions Moses, Aaron, and Samuel; how can we confirm the historical existence and roles of Moses and Aaron, given limited archaeological evidence? 4. Psalm 99:7 describes God speaking out of a pillar of cloud; how is this scientifically plausible, and why is there no external record of such a phenomenon? 5. Psalm 99:8 portrays a God who forgives yet also punishes; how can this be reconciled with other biblical texts that emphasize unconditional grace and mercy? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Psalm 99 portray the relationship between God's sovereignty and His holiness? 2. What aspects of God's character are illuminated in this Psalm? 3. How do the descriptions of God's interactions with Moses, Aaron, and Samuel emphasize His characteristics? 4. Reflect on the significance of the "pillar of cloud". How does this motif serve the overall message of the Psalm? 5. How does this Psalm inspire you to understand and respond to authority in your own life? 6. How does Psalm 99 challenge you to reflect on God's justice and equity? 7. How does the concept of God's mercy resonate with you personally, especially considering His responses to misdeeds? 8. How does Psalm 99 influence your understanding of prayer and the expectation of God's response? 9. How might you apply the lessons from Psalm 99 in your daily interactions with others? 10. In a world filled with injustice, how does Psalm 99 inspire you to strive for equity and fairness? 11. Considering the awe and reverence induced by God's power in Psalm 99, how does this shape your view of God's love and His expectations of us? 12. How might the call to "exalt the LORD and worship at His holy hill" translate into your personal acts of worship and praise? 13. In what ways does the Psalm's emphasis on God's holiness challenge your perspective on personal holiness? 14. Reflect on the trembling and shaking of the earth in response to God's might. How might this imagery apply to current global events and crises? 15. How does God’s interaction with His faithful servants inspire your communication with Him? 16. In the context of your community or society, how can the principles of God’s justice be implemented? 17. How do the messages in Psalm 99 aid you in understanding your purpose and role in life? 18. In moments of personal transgressions, how does the Psalm’s depiction of God’s forgiveness impact your view of repentance? 19. Reflect on the statement, "He established them for His instruction." How does this deepen your understanding of God’s expectations of His people? 20. In what ways does Psalm 99 inspire you to respond when faced with challenges or uncertainties? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions