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Psalms 99:1

Psalms 99:1 in Multiple Translations

The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake!

The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

Jehovah reigneth; let the peoples tremble: He sitteth above the cherubim; let the earth be moved.

The Lord is King; let the peoples be in fear: his seat is on the winged ones; let the earth be moved.

The Lord reigns; let the nations tremble! He sits on his throne above the cherubim; let the earth shake!

The Lord reigneth, let the people tremble: he sitteth betweene the Cherubims, let the earth be moued.

Jehovah hath reigned, peoples tremble, The Inhabitant of the cherubs, the earth shaketh.

The LORD reigns! Let the peoples tremble. He sits enthroned among the cherubim. Let the earth be moved.

The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he setteth between the cherubim; let the earth be moved.

A psalm of praise.

Yahweh is the supreme king, so all the people-groups should tremble ◄in his presence/in front of him►! He sits on his throne in the temple above the statues of winged creatures, so the earth should quake/shake!

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 99:1

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Psalms 99:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB יְהוָ֣ה מָ֭לָךְ יִרְגְּז֣וּ עַמִּ֑ים יֹשֵׁ֥ב כְּ֝רוּבִ֗ים תָּנ֥וּט הָ/אָֽרֶץ
יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
מָ֭לָךְ mâlak H4427 to reign V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יִרְגְּז֣וּ râgaz H7264 to tremble V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
עַמִּ֑ים ʻam H5971 Amaw N-mp
יֹשֵׁ֥ב yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal
כְּ֝רוּבִ֗ים kᵉrûwb H3742 cherub N-mp
תָּנ֥וּט nûwṭ H5120 to shake V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
הָ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 99:1

יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מָ֭לָךְ mâlak H4427 "to reign" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
יִרְגְּז֣וּ râgaz H7264 "to tremble" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this word means to shake or tremble with strong emotions like fear, anger, or excitement. It can also mean to provoke or disturb someone, causing them to become agitated. The KJV Bible translates it in various ways, including 'tremble', 'quake', and 'rage'.
Definition: 1) tremble, quake, rage, quiver, be agitated, be excited, be perturbed 1a)(Qal) to quake, be disquieted, be excited, be perturbed 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to quake, disquiet, enrage, disturb 1c) (Hithpael) to excite oneself
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: be afraid, stand in awe, disquiet, fall out, fret, move, provoke, quake, rage, shake, tremble, trouble, be wroth. See also: Genesis 45:24; Isaiah 5:25; Psalms 4:5.
עַמִּ֑ים ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
יֹשֵׁ֥ב yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
כְּ֝רוּבִ֗ים kᵉrûwb H3742 "cherub" N-mp
A cherub is an angelic being in the Bible, often depicted as guarding important places like Eden or God's throne. They're also shown as images on the Ark of the Covenant. The KJV translates this word as cherub or cherubims.
Definition: 1) cherub, cherubim (pl) 1a) an angelic being 1a1) as guardians of Eden 1a2) as flanking God's throne 1a3) as an image form hovering over the Ark of the Covenant 1a4) as the chariot of Jehovah (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: cherub, (plural) cherubims. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Chronicles 3:10; Psalms 18:11.
תָּנ֥וּט nûwṭ H5120 "to shake" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew verb means to shake or quake, like the ground moving during an earthquake. It is used to describe something being moved or disturbed.
Definition: (Qal) to quake, shake, dangle
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: be moved. See also: Psalms 99:1.
הָ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

Study Notes — Psalms 99:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — The LORD Reigns!

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!

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 97:1 The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the distant shores be glad.
2 Exodus 25:22 And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.
3 Psalms 97:4 His lightning illuminates the world; the earth sees and trembles.
4 Psalms 80:1 Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth
5 Psalms 93:1 The LORD reigns! He is robed in majesty; the LORD has clothed and armed Himself with strength. The world indeed is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
6 Revelation 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them.
7 Isaiah 19:14 The LORD has poured into her a spirit of confusion. Egypt has been led astray in all she does, as a drunkard staggers through his own vomit.
8 Psalms 18:10 He mounted a cherub and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind.
9 Psalms 96:10 Declare among the nations: “The LORD reigns!” The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity.
10 Revelation 6:14 The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place.

Psalms 99:1 Summary

This verse tells us that God is the King of the world, and He is in charge of everything. The nations, which are the countries and people of the world, should be in awe of God's power and tremble before Him, just like the earth shakes during an earthquake. As the Bible says in Psalms 95:6, we should come before God with reverence and worship, acknowledging His greatness and holiness. By remembering that God reigns, we can have peace and trust in His sovereignty, as stated in Isaiah 40:22-23.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that the Lord reigns?

This means that God is the supreme ruler of the universe, and His power and authority are above all else, as seen in Psalms 103:19 and Isaiah 40:22-23.

Why should the nations tremble?

The nations should tremble because they are subject to God's authority and judgment, as stated in Psalms 2:10-12 and Romans 14:11.

What are the cherubim?

The cherubim are heavenly creatures that symbolize God's power and presence, as described in Exodus 25:18-22 and Ezekiel 1:5-14.

Why should the earth quake?

The earth should quake because it is a display of God's mighty power and a reminder of His holiness, as seen in Psalms 29:1-11 and Habakkuk 3:6.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the knowledge of God's reign impact my daily life and decisions?
  2. In what ways can I demonstrate reverence and awe for God's power and authority?
  3. What are some ways that I can tremble before God, acknowledging His majesty and holiness?
  4. How can I apply the truth of God's reign to my relationships and interactions with others?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 99:1

The Lord reigneth,.... The King Messiah, he is made and declared Lord and Christ; he has reigned, does reign, and ever will; see Psalms 93:1, let the people tremble: with awe of his majesty, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 99:1

The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. Psalms 99:1-9.-Yahweh, whose coming in Psalms 98:1-9 was anticipated, appears here as reigning.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 99:1

Psalms 99 THE This Psalm is supposed to be David’ s, and the matter of it seems to suit to his time and the state of affairs which then was; although as David was a type of Christ, so this Psalm may look beyond David unto the Messias. But it doth not speak so fully nor clearly of the Messias as the foregoing Psalms do. The psalmist setteth forth the weighty power of God in Zion, ,2. God’ s holiness a reason for our praising him, , Equity and righteousness executed in Jacob, . The church exhorted by the example of their forefathers, , to praise and magnify him in his holy hill, . The people, to wit such are are enemies to God and to his people. Between the cherubims; upon the ark. See . He is present with his people to protect them, and to punish their enemies. The earth; the people of the earth, by comparing this clause with the former. Be moved, to wit, with fear and trembling, as in the former clause.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 99:1

Psalms 99:1 The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth [between] the cherubims; let the earth be moved.Ver. 1. The Lord reigneth] Even the Lord Christ, as Psalms 97:1. Let the people tremble] Let them serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. By the people some understand the Jews, and by the earth all other nations; let there be a general subjection yielded to the sceptre of his kingdom.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 99:1

(1) The Lord reigneth.—See Note, Psalms 93:1. Tremble.—LXX. and Vulg., “be angry.” The optative in this and the following clause is after the LXX.; but the Hebrew is in the ordinary present, the peoples tremble, the earth staggers.He sitteth.—In original a participle. Between the cherubims . . .—See Notes on Psalms 80:1.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 99:1

PSALM XCIX The empire of God in the world and the Church, 1, 2. He ought to be praised, 3. Justice and judgment are his chief glory, 4. He should be worshipped as among the saints of old, whom he graciously answered and saved, 5-8. Exalt him because he is holy, 9. NOTES ON PSALM XCIX The Hebrew and Chaldee have no title; all the versions but the Chaldee attribute it to David. The Syriac says it concerns "the slaughter of the Midianites which Moses and the children of Israel had taken captive; and is a prophecy concerning the glory of the kingdom of Christ." But the mention of Samuel shows that it cannot be referred to the time of Moses. Calmet thinks that it was sung at the dedication of the city, or of the second temple, after the return from the Babylonish captivity. Eight of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS. join it to the preceding psalm. Verse 1. The Lord reigneth] See Clarke on Psalms 97:1. Let the people tremble] He will establish his kingdom in spite of his enemies; let those who oppose him tremble for the consequences. He sitteth between the cherubims] This is in reference to the ark, at each end of which was a cherub of glory; and the shechinah, or symbol of the Divine Presence, appeared on the lid of the ark, called also the mercy-seat, between the cherubim. Sitting between the cherubim implies God's graciousness and mercy. While then, in his reign, he was terrible to sinners, he is on the throne of grace to all who fear, love, and obey him. Though this symbol were not in the second temple, yet the Divine Being might very well be thus denominated, because it had become one of his titles, he having thus appeared under the tabernacle and first temple.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 99:1

1–3. Jehovah has proclaimed Himself King in Zion: let all the earth worship this Holy God.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 99:1

The Lord reigneth - The Lord, Yahweh, is king. See Psalms 93:1.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 99:1

1. The Lord reigneth—A public proclamation, (see on Psalms 93:1; Psalms 97:1,) for all the nations to hear. Let the people tremble—Or, the nations shall tremble. The future tense of the verb makes it prophetic.

Sermons on Psalms 99:1

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 25:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the blueprint and construction of the tabernacle as described in the book of Exodus. The tabernacle was a place where the Israelites could app
Ed Miller (The Royal Psalms) Part 3 by Ed Miller In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unchanging nature of God and His unwavering love and faithfulness towards His people. The sermon uses the analogy of a shepherd and his
Joshua Daniel Trembling at God's Righteousness by Joshua Daniel This sermon focuses on the importance of not deferring obedience to God, using the example of Felix delaying his decision to follow Christ. It emphasizes the need for humility, rig
St. Augustine Exposition on Psalm 100 by St. Augustine St. Augustine preaches on the importance of jubilating unto the Lord with confession, understanding the depth of jubilance and the need to praise God with a joyful heart and unders
Henry Law Psalm 99 by Henry Law Henry Law preaches about the greatness and glory of Christ's kingdom, emphasizing the exhortation to worship Him fittingly. The sermon highlights the awe-inspiring image of Jesus s
A.W. Tozer Attributes of God (Series 2): God's Perfect Justice by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of atonement for our sins. He explains that every moral inequity will be judged unless covered by sufficient atonement. He hi
James R. Cochrane Week of Meetings 1974-06 Presentation of T-Church by James R. Cochrane In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the death of Charles Hayden Spurgeon, a renowned preacher in England. Spurgeon's final words, "Jesus, die for me," highlight the simplicity

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