Psalm 99:1-4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 99:1-5

The foundation of all religion is laid in this truth, That the Lord reigns. God governs the world by his providence, governs the church by his grace, and both by his Son. We are to believe not only that the Lord lives, but that the Lord reigns. This is the triumph of the Christian church, and here it was the triumph of the Jewish church, that Jehovah was their King; and hence it is inferred, Let the people tremble, that is, 1. Let even the subjects of this kingdom tremble; for the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 99:1

The Lord reigneth ,.... The King Messiah, he is made and declared Lord and Christ; he has reigned, does reign, and ever will; see Psalm 93:1 , let the people tremble : with awe of his majesty, and reverence of his word and ordinances; rejoicing before him with trembling, as his own people and subjects do, Psalm 2:11 , and so it agrees with Psalm 97:1 , or it may be understood of the people that are enemies to Christ, who would not have him to reign, though he shall whether they... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 99:2

The Lord is great in Zion ,.... Where the temple stood, and into which Christ came as the proprietor of it, and gave it a greater glory by his presence than the first temple had; here he preached his doctrines, wrought many of his miracles; here he poured forth the Spirit on his apostles; and from hence went forth his Gospel into all the world: or in Zion, that is, in his church, and among his people; here he grants his gracious presence, and bestows the blessings of his goodness; and shows... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 99:3

Let them praise thy great and terrible name ,.... All people, especially the Lord's people; those that dwell in Zion, where his name is great, in high esteem, venerable, and valued; as his name Jesus, or Saviour, is amiable and lovely to his saints; and his name, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, is terrible to his enemies: for it is holy ; his name is holy, as well as reverend and great; his nature is holy, both divine and human; holy in all his ways and works; and is holiness to his... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 99:4

The King's strength also loveth judgment ,.... Or he who is a strong and mighty King, as Christ is; which appears by saving his people, and preserving them to his kingdom and glory, and by destroying all his and their enemies; but, though he is so potent and victorious a Prince, yet no tyrannical one, he loves and does what is just and righteous; he loved the righteous law of God, and obeyed it in the whole course of his life; he wrought out a perfect righteousness for his people, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:1

The Lord reigneth - See the note on Psalm 97:1 . Let the people tremble - He will establish his kingdom in spite of his enemies; let those who oppose him tremble for the consequences. He sitteth between the cherubims - This is in reference to the ark, at each end of which was a cherub of glory; and the shechinah, or symbol of the Divine Presence, appeared on the lid of the ark, called also the mercy-seat, between the cherubim. Sitting between the cherubim implies God's graciousness... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:2

The Lord is great in Zion - It is among his own worshippers that he has manifested his power and glory in an especial manner. There he is known, and there he is worthily magnified. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:3

Let them praise thy great and terrible name - Let them confess thee to be great and terrible: let them tremble before thee. For it is holy - הוא קדוש kadosh hu . As this not only ends this verse but the fifth also, and in effect the ninth, it seems to be a species of chorus which was sung in a very solemn manner at the conclusion of each of these parts. His holiness - the immaculate purity of his nature, was the reason why he should be exalted, praised, and worshipped. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:4

The king's strength - If this Psalm were written by David, he must mean by it that he was God's vicegerent or deputy, and that, even as king, God was his strength, and the pattern according to which equity, judgment, and righteousness should be executed in Jacob. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 99:1

Verse 1 1Jehovah reigns The people, who were formerly called upon to rejoice, are now commanded to tremble. For as the Jews were encompassed by enemies, it was of the utmost importance that God’s power should be magnified among them, that they might know that, while under his guardianship, they would be constantly and completely safe from the hatred and fury of every foe. The Hebrew word רגז, ragaz, as we have elsewhere seen, sometimes signifies to tremble, at other times, to be angry, and, in... read more

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