Psalm 99

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99

Two thoughts prevail in this psalm the kingly dominion of Jehovah and the holiness of his worship; to which we may add a third, that Zion is the place where his majesty and grace are displayed, and, by inference, where men should bring their offerings and worship. The most natural divisions would resolve the psalm into three parts: The first part (Psalms 99:1-3) proclaims Jehovah’s reign, his absolute sovereignty and holiness, and calls upon the people to fear and do homage; the second,... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:1

1. The Lord reigneth A public proclamation, (see on Psalms 93:1; Psalms 97:1,) for all the nations to hear. Let the people tremble Or, the nations shall tremble. The future tense of the verb makes it prophetic. It is spoken of the hostile nations who hated, and meditated evil of, the Hebrew people and religion. These shall quake through fear when they learn that Jehovah is the true king of Israel, and will defend them, and punish with destruction those who conspire against them. The... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:2

2. Great in Zion Here is the seat of his power, which it is necessary for the nations to know, because it assures them that Israel is his people, and none but the true Israel will God defend; while to Israel it settles the great question whether Shiloh or Zion is the place for the national worship. See on Psalms 78:0. But above this historic intimation, we must understand the spiritual Zion here, the Church. The greatness of God “in Zion” is the greatness of his acts of redemption by his... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:3

3. Let them praise They shall praise; that is, the nations, or peoples, just mentioned. Psalms 99:2. The prophetic character of the psalm and the form of the verb require that it be rendered in the declarative future. Terrible name “Terrible” only to his enemies, whom he will “break with a rod of iron,” (Psalms 2:9,) and who, in conspiring against God’s people, “have played the madmen to their own destruction.” Calvin. No less terrible is God against cherished sins in his own... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:4

4. The king’s strength also loveth judgment “The meaning seems to be, that God’s power is controlled in its exercise by his love of justice.” Alexander. But who is the “king?” The most natural construction would refer it to David, (or Solomon,) whose administration is regarded as the type and expression of the true theocracy. The language conforms to the description given of David’s reign, (2 Samuel 8:15,) “And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:5

5. For he is holy With this refrain close the three divisions. The first, (Psalms 99:3,) ascribes holiness to God’s name; the second, (Psalms 99:5,) ascribes the same to his abode; the third, (Psalms 99:9,) to his nature. Some, as Tholuck, regard these verses as a chorus, sung by a second, or responsive, choir. read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:6

6. Moses and Aaron… Samuel Three leading representatives of the old dispensation. Among his priests Not the only ones, but the most illustrious specimens of the class, as the preposition among, or with, denotes. The word כהן , ( kohehn,) priest, seems here to be used in a broader sense than usual, to denote a prince, or chief. In 2 Samuel 8:18 the word means chief ruler, prince; and in 1 Chronicles 18:17, it is explained by substituting another word, which also means first,... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:7

7. He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar That is, unto Moses and Aaron, and through them to the people, as Exodus 19:9; Numbers 12:5; and to Samuel, 1Sa 3:10 ; 1 Samuel 7:9-10. They kept his testimonies Beautiful is this pious example of these heads and leaders of the nation. read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:8

8. Thou answeredst them That is, Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. Forgavest them The people. Their inventions The pronoun again refers to the people. “Inventions” means works, doings, and here evil doings. Thus, forgiveness and vengeance, mercy and judgment, tempered the divine discipline. 2 Samuel 7:14. “God punished their transgressions, but his method was lenient; he had not removed his favour from them, but forgave them for their intercessor’s sake.” Tholuck. read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:9

9. Exalt the Lord our God A repetition of Psalms 99:5, with the change of holy hill, here, for footstool there, and “the Lord our God,” for the pronoun he indicating a rising emphasis. read more

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:1

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:2

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:3

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:4

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:5

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:6

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:7

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:8

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:9

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