Psalm 99 Study Notes
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99:1 On the Lord reigns, see note at Ps 93:1-2. On God being enthroned between the cherubim, see note at 80:1. The ark of the covenant was regarded as the throne of the invisible God, or his footstool (132:7-8; Jr 3:16-17). Because the ark of the covenant was the central symbol of Yahweh’s presence with his people Israel, its mysteries remained appropriately veiled within the inner sanctuary of the living God. Let the earth quake, as though knocked off balance (Is 6:1-4).
99:2 Yahweh is sovereign over all the nations (cp. 113:4) and deserving of praise by all.
99:3 Awe-inspiring (lit “to be feared”) denotes both respect and worship. The psalmist declared God’s holiness three times (vv. 3,5,9) as in Is 6:3.
99:4 Righteousness characterizes God’s people (85:10-12; Is 62:1-3) as an extension of the Lord himself (Ps 96:13; Is 42:1-4).
99:5 At his footstool associates the Lord’s presence with the ark of the covenant (1Ch 28:2) or a central place of worship (Ps 132:7). In the days preceding Solomon’s temple, King David instructed the priests to bring the ark, symbolizing the Lord’s presence (2Sm 6:12). Isaiah equated the ark with the sanctuary (Is 60:13), later describing heaven as the Lord’s throne and the earth as his footstool (Is 66:1). Enemies become Christ’s footstool, showing subjugation (Heb 1:13; 9:5).
99:6 Moses . . . Aaron, and Samuel served intercessory roles as priests, administering God’s justice. They communicated closely with God, obeying his commands.
99:7 The Lord showed his presence to the Israelites in the form of a pillar of cloud and fire, from which he communicated his divine will to Israel’s leaders during the wilderness experience (Ex 14:19; 16:10; 33:9; 40:36).
99:8 Even after God forgave sins, actions had consequences. The Lord punished Moses and Aaron for their sinful actions (Nm 20:12).