What is the meaning of Psalm 99?

Psalm 99 is a majestic and profound hymn that extols the holiness and sovereignty of God. It is part of the collection of Psalms often referred to as the "Royal Psalms" (Psalms 93-99), which emphasize God’s kingship and His rule over all creation. Psalm 99, in particular, is a powerful declaration of God's reign, His justice, and His holiness. Let's delve into its meaning by examining its structure and the themes it presents.

The Psalm can be divided into three main sections, each highlighting different aspects of God's character and His relationship with His people.

Verses 1-3: The Lord Reigns and Is Holy

The opening verses set the tone for the entire Psalm:

"The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!
He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
The Lord is great in Zion;
He is exalted over all the peoples.
Let them praise your great and awesome name!
Holy is He!"
(Psalm 99:1-3, ESV)

These verses begin with a powerful proclamation of God's sovereignty: "The Lord reigns." This declaration is meant to evoke awe and reverence among the nations. The imagery of God sitting "enthroned upon the cherubim" alludes to the Ark of the Covenant, where God's presence was believed to dwell among His people (Exodus 25:22). The cherubim symbolize God's majesty and His holy presence.

The response to God's reign is twofold: the peoples tremble, and the earth quakes. These reactions underscore the overwhelming power and holiness of God. His greatness is particularly evident in Zion, which represents Jerusalem, the city where the temple was located and where God's presence was most keenly felt.

The call to praise God's "great and awesome name" further emphasizes His holiness. In Hebrew thought, a name encapsulates the essence of a person. Thus, praising God's name is acknowledging His supreme and holy nature.

Verses 4-5: The King's Justice and Righteousness

The next section of the Psalm shifts focus to God's justice:

"The King in His might loves justice.
You have established equity;
You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
Exalt the Lord our God;
Worship at His footstool!
Holy is He!"
(Psalm 99:4-5, ESV)

Here, God is depicted as a mighty King who loves justice. This love for justice is not passive but active, as God has "established equity" and "executed justice and righteousness in Jacob." The mention of Jacob, another name for Israel, highlights that God's justice is not abstract but is manifested in the concrete history of His people.

The call to "exalt the Lord our God" and to "worship at His footstool" reiterates the appropriate response to God's just and righteous rule. The "footstool" likely refers to the Ark of the Covenant or the temple itself, symbolizing God's presence on earth. Worship at His footstool signifies submission and reverence to God's holy authority.

Verses 6-9: Historical Examples of God's Holiness

The final section of the Psalm recalls specific individuals who experienced God's holiness and justice:

"Moses and Aaron were among His priests,
Samuel also was among those who called upon His name.
They called to the Lord, and He answered them.
In the pillar of the cloud He spoke to them;
They kept His testimonies and the statute that He gave them.
O Lord our God, You answered them;
You were a forgiving God to them,
But an avenger of their wrongdoings.
Exalt the Lord our God,
And worship at His holy mountain;
For the Lord our God is holy!"
(Psalm 99:6-9, ESV)

Moses, Aaron, and Samuel are invoked as exemplary figures who had intimate relationships with God. They "called upon His name," and God responded to them, demonstrating His accessibility and willingness to engage with His people. The reference to the "pillar of the cloud" recalls the Exodus narrative, where God led Israel through the wilderness with a visible sign of His presence (Exodus 13:21-22).

These leaders "kept His testimonies and the statute that He gave them," indicating their faithfulness to God's covenant. Despite their faithfulness, they were not without sin. God was both a "forgiving God" and an "avenger of their wrongdoings," illustrating the balance between His mercy and His justice.

The Psalm concludes with another call to exalt and worship God at His "holy mountain," likely referring to Mount Zion or the temple mount. This final exhortation reinforces the central theme of God's holiness.

Theological and Practical Implications

Psalm 99 provides rich theological insights into the nature of God and His relationship with His people. It emphasizes three key attributes of God: His sovereignty, His justice, and His holiness.

Sovereignty: The repeated declaration that "The Lord reigns" serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate authority over all creation. In a world that often seems chaotic and unjust, this affirmation offers comfort and assurance that God is in control.

Justice: God's love for justice and His active role in establishing equity are central themes in this Psalm. This has practical implications for believers, who are called to reflect God's justice in their own lives. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this call: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Holiness: The repeated refrain "Holy is He" underscores the transcendence and purity of God. Holiness is a defining characteristic of God, setting Him apart from all creation. Believers are called to respond to God's holiness with reverence and worship. As 1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts, "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"

Conclusion

Psalm 99 is a profound declaration of God's reign, His justice, and His holiness. It calls believers to respond with awe, reverence, and worship. By reflecting on the attributes of God highlighted in this Psalm, we are reminded of His ultimate authority, His commitment to justice, and His transcendent holiness. These truths provide a foundation for our faith and a guide for our conduct, encouraging us to live in a manner that honors the holy and sovereign God we serve.