A Holy King

Psalm 99:1-9

“The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.  The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people.  Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.

The lid of the Ark of the Covenant was called the mercy seat, and represents God’s throne in heaven.  At each end of the mercy seat was a gold cherubim with their wings touching over the ark.  When God spoke to Israel, it was from the mercy seat, after they took the land.  The psalmist portrays God as speaking from his throne in heaven, emphasizing his authority.  He reigns, and all the people need to fear his power and majesty, recognizing he is greater than any of the people, and is holy, doing no wrong.    

“The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.  Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.” (Psalm 99:4-5)

Human rulers are susceptible to flattery, and are subject to certain prejudices and emotions that affect their judgment.   In addition, their pride in their power leads to passing laws that frustrate the people, sometimes forcing them to break the laws and causing an attitude of rebellion.    God enforces laws that are fair and protect all the people equally.  They do not encourage wrong doing.   People ought to  exalt him because he is holy and will not be unfair or do wrong. 

“Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.  He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.” (Psalm 99:6-7)

When God’s servants prayed to him, God answered them He spoke from the pillar of cloud so they knew what he wanted and they kept his commandments and the various feasts he gave to remind them of his blessings.  . 

“Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.” (Psalm 99:8)

Many times the people did not obey God’s commands.  When they sinned, he would punish their sin, but when they acknowledged their sin, he forgave them.  He never broke his promise to the nation, although many died because they would not keep their part. 

“Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.” (Psalm 99:9)

We ought to praise and worship God because he is holy, and will forgive when there is genuine repentance and sorrow for sin.  He will not break his promises or cast away those who sincerely trust him.