PSALM 99

Ps 99:1-9. God's government is especially exercised in and for His Church, which should praise Him for His gracious dealings.

1. sitteth . cherubim-(compare 1Sa 4:4; Ps 80:1).

tremble . be moved-inspired with fear by His judgments on the wicked.

2 The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people.

2. great in Zion-where He dwells (Ps 9:11).

3 Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.

3. thy . name-perfections of justice, power, &c.

great and terrible name-producing dread (De 10:17), and to be praised by those over whom He is exalted (Ps 97:9).

it is holy-or, "He is holy" (Ps 99:5, 9; Isa 6:3).

4 The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.

4, 5. To His wise and righteous government all nations should render honor.

king's . judgment-His power is combined with justice.

he is holy-(compare Ps 22:3).

5 Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.

6 Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.

6-8. The experience of these servants of God is cited for encouragement.

among . priests, among . upon the Lord [and] He spake . pillar-may be referred to all three (compare Ex 18:19; Le 8:15; De 5:5; 1Sa 9:13).

7 He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.

7. cloudy pillar-the medium of divine intercourse (Ex 33:9; Nu 12:5). Obedience was united with worship. God answered them as intercessors for the people, who, though forgiven, were yet chastened (Ex 32:10, 34).

8 Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.

9 Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.