This psalm is closely linked in its general character and design with those which have gone before Ps. 95–98, and with the one following Psalms 100:1 - forming a connected group or series. The general subject is the kingship of Yahweh, or the foundations of praise derived from the fact that he reign... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD REIGNETH - The Lord, Yahweh, is king. See Psalms 93:1. LET THE PEOPLE TREMBLE - The Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate render this, “Let the people rage” - or, be angry: as if the idea were that God reigned, although the people were enraged, and were opposed to him. The true meaning of the wo... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD IS GREAT IN ZION - Compare Psalms 95:3. The meaning here is, not that God is “absolutely” great - which is indeed true - but that there is a sense in which he has shown himself great “in Zion;” that is, in his manifestations toward his own people. He has evinced power in their behalf; he ha... [ Continue Reading ]
LET THEM PRAISE THY GREAT AND TERRIBLE NAME - The word rendered “terrible” means “to be feared or reverenced;” that is, his name - his being - he himself - is suited to inspire awe and reverence. The word “them” here refers to the nations over whom God reigns. It is a call on them to praise their ki... [ Continue Reading ]
THE KING’S STRENGTH - The word king here undoubtedly refers to God as a king, Psalms 99:1. The word rendered “strength,” means power, force; and the reference here is to what constitutes the main strength or power of his character and government. It is rendered in the Septuagint, τιμή _timē_ - “ho... [ Continue Reading ]
EXALT YE THE LORD OUR GOD - See the notes at Psalms 30:1. The meaning is, Let his name be, as it were, lifted up on high, so as to be conspicuous or seen from afar. Let it be done with a lofty voice; let it be with ascriptions of praise. AND WORSHIP AT HIS FOOTSTOOL - By humble prostration at his fe... [ Continue Reading ]
MOSES AND AARON AMONG HIS PRIESTS - Among the ministers of religion; or, as officiating in the service of God. Let them come as representatives of their order - as representing those who conduct the public worship of God, and join in his praise. The idea is, that all mankind should join in his prais... [ Continue Reading ]
HE SPAKE UNTO THEM IN THE CLOUDY PILLAR - He spake to the men of other times; to those who called upon his name. It cannot be meant literally that he spake to “Samuel” from the “cloudy pillar” - the pillar which guided the Israelites in the wilderness, unless that term be understood in the general s... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU ANSWEREDST THEM, O LORD OUR GOD - The reference here is to God as “our” God; that is, the language used by those who now worship him is designed to give encouragement in approaching his throne. The God that “we” worship is the same that “they” worshipped; and as he answered them, we may feel as... [ Continue Reading ]
EXALT THE LORD OUR GOD - See the notes at Psalms 99:5. AND WORSHIP AT HIS HOLY HILL - In Psalms 99:5, this is, “at his footstool.” The “holy hill” refers to Zion, as the seat of the national worship. FOR THE LORD OUR GOD IS HOLY - See Psalms 99:5. This appropriately closes the psalm, by a distinct... [ Continue Reading ]