Biblion Bible Commentary
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Let the Peoples Tremble
Psalms 99:1-9
1 Yahweh reigns! Let the peoples tremble. He sits enthroned among the cherubim. Let the earth be moved. · WEB
Holiness is declared three times, and the men held up as examples were all forgiven for something.
Yahweh reigns! Let the peoples tremble Psalms 99:1.
The last of the psalms that open with the enthronement shout, and the response asked for is different from the others. The ninety-sixth called for singing and the ninety-seventh for gladness; this one asks the nations to shake.
He sits enthroned among the cherubim Psalms 99:1.
The location is the mercy seat — the lid of the ark, between the two gold figures, in the innermost room Exodus 25:22. The throne that makes the peoples tremble is a box containing the law with blood applied to its cover.
Let them praise your great and awesome name. He is Holy! Psalms 99:3.
The refrain appears three times, at verses three, five and nine, dividing the psalm into three parts. It is the only place in the Psalter where holiness is stated this way, and the threefold repetition is the same emphasis the seraphim use Isaiah 6:3.
The King's strength also loves justice. You establish equity. You execute justice and righteousness in Jacob Psalms 99:4.
Holiness is immediately given content, and the content is judicial. This psalm will not let holiness float free as an atmosphere; it means a king whose strength is in love with fairness.
Worship at his footstool Psalms 99:5.
The footstool is the ark, and the invitation is to come as near as anyone could — to the base of the throne that has just made the nations tremble.
Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who call on his name. They called on Yahweh, and he answered them Psalms 99:6.
Three men are named as examples of prayer answered, and the selection is pointed. Moses struck the rock and lost the land. Aaron made the golden calf. Samuel raised sons who took bribes 1 Samuel 8:3. These are the psalm's models of access to a God who is holy three times over.
You answered them, Yahweh our God. You are a God who forgave them, although you took vengeance for their doings Psalms 99:8.
And the psalm says so explicitly. Forgiven, and disciplined for the same acts — both, in one sentence, of the same men. It is the clearest short statement in the collection of how holiness and mercy operate together: the consequences were not canceled and the men were not lost.
Exalt Yahweh, our God. Worship at his holy hill, for Yahweh, our God, is holy! Psalms 99:9.
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