Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. PSALM 99
Ps 99:1-9. God's government is especially exercised in and for His Church, which should praise Him for His gracious dealings. 1. sitteth … cherubim—(compare 1Sa 4:4; Ps 80:1). tremble … be moved—inspired with fear by His judgments on the wicked. The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people. 2. great in Zion—where He dwells (Ps 9:11).
Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy. 3. thy … name—perfections of justice, power, &c.
great and terrible name—producing dread (De 10:17), and to be praised by those over whom He is exalted (Ps 97:9). it is holy—or, "He is holy" (Ps 99:5, 9; Isa 6:3). The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob. 4, 5. To His wise and righteous government all nations should render honor.
king's … judgment—His power is combined with justice. he is holy—(compare Ps 22:3). Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.
Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them. 6-8. The experience of these servants of God is cited for encouragement.
among … priests, among … upon the Lord [and] He spake … pillar—may be referred to all three (compare Ex 18:19; Le 8:15; De 5:5; 1Sa 9:13). He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them. 7. cloudy pillar—the medium of divine intercourse (Ex 33:9; Nu 12:5). Obedience was united with worship. God answered them as intercessors for the people, who, though forgiven, were yet chastened (Ex 32:10, 34).
Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.
Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy. |
