Psalms 99:1-8

1 The LORD rules as king. Let the people tremble. He is enthroned over the angels. Let the earth quake.

2 The LORD is mighty in Zion. He is high above all people.

3 Let them give thanks to your great and fearful name. He is holy!

4 The king's strength is that he loves justice. You have established fairness. You have done what is fair and right for Jacob.

5 Highly honor the LORD our God. Bow down at his footstool. He is holy!

6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests. Samuel was among those who prayed to him. They called to the LORD, and he answered them.

7 He spoke to them from a column of smoke. They obeyed his written instructions and the laws that he gave them.

8 O LORD, our God, you answered them. You showed them that you are a forgiving God and that you are a God who punishes their [sinful] deeds.

Psalms 99:1-8 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 99

This psalm, with the foregoing from Ps 90:1 is ascribed to Moses by Jarchi and others; but cannot be his, since mention is made of Samuel in it, who lived many years after him. The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, more rightly attribute it to David; the inscription of the Syriac version, after saying it is David's, subjoins,

``concerning the destruction of the Midianites, whom Moses and the people of Israel led captive;''

of which there is not the least mention in it; but it more truly adds,

``and a prophecy concerning the glory of the kingdom of the Messiah;''

as it undoubtedly is.