Psalms 99

This Psalm speaketh of the mighty power of the LORD, and withal of his righteousness and kindness towards his people: exhorting likewise the Church to praise and magnify God; with the examples of Moseh and Aaron.

1. The LORD reigneth [viz. Over us, that is, he doth powerfully protect us against our Enemies. See Psalms 97:1.] let the Nations tremble: (others therefore) the people tremble, and so in the sequel. Oth. Though the Nations be troubled, distracted or frighted] he sitteth (between) the Cherubim, [See 1 Sam.4.4.] the earth moveth. [viz. For fear, or to do honour and obeisance to the LORD.]

2. The LORD is great [Excellent, glorious, full of majesty] in Zion, [among his people of Israel, which was wont to assemble upon the hill where the temple was, and to come to the celebrating of Gods worship] and he is high above all nations:

3. Let them praise thy great and fearfull Name, which is holy.

4. And the strength [Appearing in the subduing of our Enemies] of the King [Jesus Christ] that loveth the right: thou [that art our King] hast established equities; [whatsoever is right and equal; as if he said; although the Lord be a strong and mighty King, yet he is no Tyrant that oppresseth his subjects by violence; but he loveth righteousness, and administreth justice and right to every one] thou hast done right and righteousness in Jacob. [i.e. among the people of Israel, the posterity of Jacob.]

5. Exalt the LORD our God, and bow down before the footstool of his feet. [Oth. Over against, etc. See the annot.1. Chron.28.2. thus the letter Lamed is likewise taken, v.9. and elsewhere frequently] he is holy: [viz. God or the Temple; or which (footstool namely) is holy.]

6. Moseh and Aaron were among his Priests [Or Chieftains, Princes: Heb. Cohen. See the annot. Gen.41.on v.45.] and Samuel among the callers upon his Name: [The sence is, it shall not be in vain, to fall down before the Lord, for he hath ever heard his faithful servants; and so he shall do you also, especially after that the true Priest and advocate or Intercessor Christ shall have made his personal appearance. Moseh is put amongst the Priests here, because he was wont to pray and intercede often for the people, and offered likewise, though afterward he remained no ordinary Priest. See Exod.29.11.16. Jer.15.1.] they called to the LORD, and he heard them. [they, Moseh and Aaron namely, as we read, Exodus 32:11, etc. Numb.14.13,17,19. And 16.22,42.16. and 1 Sam.7.19. and 12.19.23. Jer.15.1.]

7. He spake unto them, [To Moseh and Aaron, Numb.16.22.42. though especially to Moseh; See Exod.33.9.] in a cloudy pillar: they [Moseh and Aaron] kept his Testimonies, [i.e. his Commandments, whereby he testified what he would have them do] and the institutions (Which) he had given them.

8. O LORD our God, thou hast heard them, thou hast been to then a forgiving God, [That hast forgiven them their sins, and not rejected them from thee] though executing vengeance upon [or avenging] their deeds. [i.e. misdeeds, the peoples namely, for the which Moseh prayed, Exod.32.14. and 34.35. Numb.14.20.21,23. Or, their, viz. Moseh and Aarons deeds: See Numb.20.12. Deut.3.23,24,25. Or, you may understand by the word their, as well the one as the other.]

9. Exalt the LORD our God, [viz. By songs of praises and thanksgivings] and bow yourselves before the hill of his holiness. [or, over against, as above v.5. and here is understood the hill of Zion, and by that the Temple, and the Ark that was in it.]