Psalms 99

¹The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

Psa 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; Psa 80:1). tremble ... be moved--inspired with fear by His judgments on the wicked.

²The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people.

2. great in Zion--where He dwells (Psa 9:11).

³Let 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 (Psa 97:9). it is holy--or, “He is holy” (Psa 99:5, 9; Is 6:3).

⁴The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.

⁵Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.

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 Psa 22:3).

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

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

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

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).