The Lord is great in Zion. Primarily great among his faithful ones, among whom his greatness is especially shown. And he is high above all the people (or rather, peoples ) . Secondarily great, or "high," among the nations which do not acknowledge him, but are forced to tremble before him (see Psalms 99:1 ). read more
Let them praise thy great and terrible Name. Even the Gentiles, after conversion, will praise the Lord, sing of him, and bless his Name. (On the "greatness" and "terribleness" of God, see Exodus 15:11 ; Deuteronomy 7:21 ; Deuteronomy 10:17 ; Nehemiah 1:5 ; Nehemiah 4:14 ; Psalms 68:35 , etc.) For it is holy; rather, holy is he. This may be a suggestion to those about to praise God—a putting of words into their mouth; or it may be an almost involuntary outburst of praise on... read more
The holiness of God. Revised Version, "Holy is he." The refrain of the psalm is found in these words. Possibly it was given as a response by the congregation. What is prominent here, however, is not the purity that is in holiness, as the majesty that is in it, the severity that is in it. The psalmist is full of the "greatness" and the "terribleness" of the Divine Name, and this makes him say it is reverend, it is awe inspiring. It is one of the serious evils of our day, that the more... read more
The King's strength also loveth judgment. "The king" is here the Lord, Jehovah (see Psalms 98:3 ). His "strength," or might, "loves," and is always combined with, right (comp. Isaiah 61:8 , "I the Lord love judgment"). Thou dost establish equity. The pronoun is emphatic: "Thou, even thou"—nearly equivalent to "thou only"—"dost establish equity." Thou —again emphatic—"thou, even thou"— executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob ; i.e. governest thy people Israel with strict... read more
The Lord is great in Zion - Compare Psalms 95:3. The meaning here is, not that God is “absolutely” great - which is indeed true - but that there is a sense in which he has shown himself great “in Zion;” that is, in his manifestations toward his own people. He has evinced power in their behalf; he has interposed for them in times of danger; he has so discomfited their enemies as to show that he is a great God - a God worthy to be adored.And he is high above all the people - Above all the... read more
Let them praise thy great and terrible name - The word rendered “terrible” means “to be feared or reverenced;” that is, his name - his being - he himself - is suited to inspire awe and reverence. The word “them” here refers to the nations over whom God reigns. It is a call on them to praise their king and their God.For it is holy - See the notes at Isaiah 6:3; notes at Revelation 4:8. The fact that God “is” holy - that he is pure and righteous - that he cannot look upon sin but with abhorrence... read more
The king’s strength - The word king here undoubtedly refers to God as a king, Psalms 99:1. The word rendered “strength,” means power, force; and the reference here is to what constitutes the main strength or power of his character and government. It is rendered in the Septuagint, τιμή timē - “honor.” So in the Latin Vulgate - ”honor.” DeWette renders it, “The praise of the king who loves judgment.” So Rosenmuller, “Let them praise the strength - the power - of the king who loves judgment.”... read more
Psalms 99:1-3. The Lord reigneth, let the people tremble Namely, such of them as are enemies to God and his truth. He sitteth between the cherubims Upon the ark; that is, he is present with his people, to protect them and punish their enemies. Let the earth Namely, the people of the earth; be moved With fear and trembling. The Lord is great in Zion Hebrew, The Lord in Zion (that is, who dwelleth in Zion) is great. He is high above all people Above all the people of the earth... read more
Psalms 99:4. The king’s strength also loveth judgment “Although the strength of our king be infinite, yet is it never exerted but in righteousness and just judgment, which are his delight. They compose the firm basis of his throne, and direct his whole administration.” “Whoever peruses this Psalm,” says Dr. Dodd, “will find that David here, as everywhere else, considers God as the king of Israel, and himself only as his deputy. To this purpose are these expressions in the beginning of... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 99:1-9
The holy God infinitely worthy of our worship. I. BECAUSE OF HIS UNIVERSAL SUPREMACY . ( Psalms 99:1-3 .) His power exercised for the ends of goodness. "He is great in Zion," the most beneficent institution. II. BECAUSE HE RULES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RIGHT AND TRUTH . ( Psalms 99:4 , Psalms 99:5 .) He is setting up throughout the world righteous order, establishing the dominion of right and justice. III. BECAUSE HE HEARS AND ... read more