The Book of Psalms

Psalm 99

Psalm XCIX · Vol. II, p. 1052

1 The prophet, setting forth the kingdom of God in Zion, 5 exhorteth all, by the example of their forefathers, to worship God at his holy hill.

Margin referencesNotes ↓

1 The LORD ^areigneth; let the people tremble: ^bhe sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.¹

B.C. cir. 1015.

a Ps.93.1; 96.10; 97.1; 89.7. Mat.28.18. Jn.5.22. Re.11.15,17. Je.5.22.

b Ps.80.1. Ex.25.22. 2 Co.5.19,20. Is.42.21.

1 Heb. stagger.

2 The^c LORD is great in Zion; ^dand he is high above all people.²

c Ps.48.1,2; 76.1; 29.9; 89.7. Re.14.1.

2 This psalm is closely connected in style and sense with the preceding. It was also designed for the public service, and apparently in the new temple. The statement in ver. 1, 'He sitteth between the cherubims,' proves that the temple was standing perfect, and the first clause of ver. 2 confirms this view.—P.

d Ps.97.9; 66.7. Ex.18.11. Da.4.34,35.

3 Let them praise thy ^egreat and terrible name; for it is ^gholy.

e De.7.21; 28.58. Ne.1.5; 4.14; 9.23. Job 37.22. Ps.47.2; 66.3,5. Re.15.3,4.

g Ex.15.11. Jos.24.19. 1 Sa.2.2. Ps.111.9; 145.17.

4 The king's ^hstrength³ also loveth judgment: thou dost ⁱestablish equity; thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.

A.M. cir. 2989. B.C. cir. 1015.

h Ps.28.8; 27.1; 46.1; 73.26; 81.1; 147.5. Job 36.5-7.

3 The king's strength. 'The strong and mighty king.'—Gill.

i Ge.18.25. De.32.4. Zep.3.5. Ne.9.13. Ps.45.6,7; 119.137.

5 Exalt^j ye the LORD our God, and worship at ^khis footstool; for he is holy.⁴

j ver.9. Ps.34.3; 96.7. Lu.1.47.

k 2 Sa.6.2. 2 Ki.19.15. 1 Ch.28.2.

4 Or, it is holy.

6 Moses^l and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; ⁿthey called upon the LORD, and he answered them.⁵

l Ex.29.11,44. 1 Sa.7.9. Re.1.6.

n Ex.15.25; xxxii. xxxiii. Nu.xiv.xvi. 1 Sa.vii.xii. Je.15.1.

5 The idea seems to be that Moses and Aaron were representatives of one class, the priests; and Samuel the representative of another, the people. All classes are thus called upon to worship and praise Jehovah, and a blessing is promised to all without distinction.—P.

7 He^o spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: ^pthey kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.

o Ex.33.9; 19.9. Nu.12.5. 1 Sa.12.18.

p Ps.66.18. Pr.28.9. Jn.9.31.

8 Thou^q answeredst them, O LORD our God: ^rthou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.

q Ex.32.10,14,34. Nu.14.19,20,26-28.

r Ps.89.33. Je.33.25,26.

9 Exalt^s the LORD our God, and worship at ^this holy hill: ^ufor the LORD our God is holy.

s ver.5; Ps.2.6; 68.4,34. De.32.3.

t Ps.2.6; 48.1,2; 87.1-3.

u 1 Sa.2.2. Hab.1.12,13. Is.5.16; 6.3. Re.4.8.

Notes

Ver. 1. The Lord reigneth. See note on Ps. 93. 1. 'The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice,' Ps. 97. 1. 'The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble,' Ps. 99. 1.—Why this contrariety? Because Ps. xcvii. addressed a people that loved the Lord (ver. 10), a people made righteous by faith in a Saviour; but Ps. xcix. addresses a people who had 'sought out many inventions,' ver. 8, upon which, even a God of mercy takes, for the correction and ensample of others, severe and righteous judgment. C.

Ver. 8. Inventions. The calling for, contributing to, forming, setting up, and worshipping of the golden calf, and other such acts, in which their hearts seemed inexhaustibly prolific. C.

Reflections.—Terrible is Jesus' royal power and dominion to unbelievers; but comfortable and kindly awing to his saints. And in mercy, wisdom, and righteousness he executes his office. God honours and holds intimate fellowship with those who are remarkably given to prayer: and effectual are their intercessions for the preservation of nations and churches. But he will make the dearest of them to smart severely for their sin in this life, notwithstanding they may triumph through faith. Great praise is due to God for his mercies. And deep awe and inward purity are necessary in worshipping him that is infinitely holy.