Psalm 99

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 99

This psalm is closely linked in its general character and design with those which have gone before Ps. 95–98, and with the one following Psalms 100:1-5 - forming a connected group or series. The general subject is the kingship of Yahweh, or the foundations of praise derived from the fact that he reigns, or is king. As the foundation of praise on this account, reference is made in this group of psalms to his attributes; to what he has done in the works of creation; to what he has done for his... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 99:1

The Lord reigneth - The Lord, Yahweh, is king. See Psalms 93:1.Let the people tremble - The Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate render this, “Let the people rage” - or, be angry: as if the idea were that God reigned, although the people were enraged, and were opposed to him. The true meaning of the word used here, however, is “tremble,” properly signifying to be moved, disturbed, disquieted, thrown into commotion; and then it may mean to be moved with anger, Proverbs 29:9; Isaiah 28:21; or with... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 99:2

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 99:3

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 99:4

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 99:5

Exalt ye the Lord our God - See the notes at Psalms 30:1. The meaning is, Let his name be, as it were, lifted up on high, so as to be conspicuous or seen from afar. Let it be done with a lofty voice; let it be with ascriptions of praise.And worship at his footstool - By humble prostration at his feet. The footstool is that on which the feet rest when one is sitting, and the reference here is to the footstool on which the feet of a king rested when he sat on his throne or chair of state. To... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 99:6

Moses and Aaron among his priests - Among the ministers of religion; or, as officiating in the service of God. Let them come as representatives of their order - as representing those who conduct the public worship of God, and join in his praise. The idea is, that all mankind should join in his praise, and those mentioned here as among the most eminent of those who were engaged in directing the public worship of God. Moses could be called a “priest” only in the most general sense of the term, as... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 99:7

He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar - He spake to the men of other times; to those who called upon his name. It cannot be meant literally that he spake to “Samuel” from the “cloudy pillar” - the pillar which guided the Israelites in the wilderness, unless that term be understood in the general sense as denoting the “Shechinah” - the visible symbol of the divine presence - the cloud that rested on the ark. The idea is, that God his people in ancient times from the cloud - the symbol of his... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 99:8

Thou answeredst them, O Lord our God - The reference here is to God as “our” God; that is, the language used by those who now worship him is designed to give encouragement in approaching his throne. The God that “we” worship is the same that “they” worshipped; and as he answered them, we may feel assured that he will answer us.Thou wast a God that forgavest them - They were not perfect; they were sinners; they often offended thee, and yet thou didst answer them, and show them mercy.Though thou... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 99:9

Exalt the Lord our God - See the notes at Psalms 99:5.And worship at his holy hill - In Psalms 99:5, this is, “at his footstool.” The “holy hill” refers to Zion, as the seat of the national worship.For the Lord our God is holy - See Psalms 99:5. This appropriately closes the psalm, by a distinct and solemn statement that the fact that Yahweh is a holy God is a reason for worshipping him. This is at all times the highest reason for adoration and praise. read more

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