Old Testament
Psalms 99
Overview
Psalm 99 is an enthronement hymn that centers on the holiness of the reigning LORD, enthroned above the cherubim. Three times it breaks into the refrain that He is holy — a poetic threefold exaltation of His unmatched purity and majesty. It celebrates a King who is mighty yet loves justice, and it recalls Moses, Aaron, and Samuel as intercessors whom God answered, a forgiving God who nonetheless took vengeance on wrongdoing, summoning His people to worship at His holy mountain.
1The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.
2The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people.
3Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.
4The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.
5Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.
6Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.
7He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.
8Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.
9Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.