Psalms 99

Psalms 99:1-9

The psalmist calls the nations to worship the Lord, the king of the earth who rules from Zion.

Psalms 99:1-5

The Lord is the holy and righteous King (Isaiah 6:1–5). Mount Zion, where the temple of the Lord is located, metaphorically stands as the highest point on earth (Psalm 113:4; Isaiah 2:2; 6:1). From this high place, the "great King" (Psalm 47:2) can see, rule over, and receive praise from all nations and peoples.

Psalms 99:1

• It is appropriate to tremble and quake in response to the Lord’s holiness (see Psalm 96:9).

• The throne between the cherubim refers to the cover of the ark of the Testimony (Exodus 25:17–22).

Psalms 99:4

The qualities of the Lord’s rule include:

• strength,

• justice,

• love,

• fairness, and

• righteousness (see Psalms 93:4; 97:2, 6–7, 12; 98:2–3, 9; 138:6).

Psalms 99:6-8

God showed favor by responding to his people in the past, while holding sinners accountable.

Psalms 99:6

Moses and Samuel were great models and leaders who had prayed on behalf of the Lord’s people (Exodus 32:31–32; 1 Samuel 12:23).

Psalms 99:7

The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron from the pillar of cloud (Exodus 33:9; Numbers 12:5–6). For a while, the people responded to the revelation.

Aquifer Open Study Notes © 2026 Mission Mutual, an adaptation of the Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.