Side by side
Psalm 99
Our plain-language guide next to the Bible text. Each row lines up one section with the verses it explains.
Section 1: The LORD ReignsVerses 1 to 3
"The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake!" (99:1).
God enthroned above the cherubim — above the ark of the covenant, the place of divine presence. The nations shake at this.
"Great is the LORD in Zion; He is exalted above all the peoples" (99:2).
"Let them praise Your great and awesome name— He is holy" (99:3).
The first refrain. Holy — set apart, utterly other than everything else.
1The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake! 2Great is the LORD in Zion; He is exalted above all the peoples. 3Let them praise Your great and awesome name— He is holy!
Section 2: He Loves JusticeVerses 4 to 5
"The mighty King loves justice. You have established equity; You have exercised justice and righteousness in Jacob" (99:4).
The King's power is not arbitrary. It is directed by love of justice. Equity and righteousness are what His power produces.
"Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at His footstool; He is holy!" (99:5).
The second refrain. Exalt Him — and worship. Both.
4The mighty King loves justice. You have established equity; You have exercised justice and righteousness in Jacob. 5Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at His footstool; He is holy!
Section 3: He Answered ThemVerses 6 to 9
"Moses and Aaron were among His priests; Samuel was among those who called on His name. They called to the LORD and He answered." (99:6).
Three names: Moses, Aaron, Samuel. Three people who called on God — and were answered.
"He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept His decrees and the statutes He gave them." (99:7).
The cloud — God's veiled presence. He spoke from concealment and they listened.
"O LORD our God, You answered them. You were a forgiving God to them, yet an avenger of their misdeeds." (99:8).
Both: forgiving and just. Moses struck the rock and was barred from the land. Aaron made the golden calf. Samuel's sons were corrupt. God forgave — and consequences remained.
"Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy." (99:9).
The third and fullest refrain. Exalt and worship — because He is holy.
6Moses and Aaron were among His priests; Samuel was among those who called on His name. They called to the LORD and He answered. 7He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept His decrees and the statutes He gave them. 8O LORD our God, You answered them. You were a forgiving God to them, yet an avenger of their misdeeds. 9Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.
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