Psalm 99

Read: Psalm 99:1; Isaiah 66:5; Psalm 2:10 – 12; Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:10

The basic format of Psalm 99 is to proclaim a truth about God and then call for or describe the appropriate response.  In Psalm 99:1 the first truth proclaimed about God is that He reigns. The appropriate response to that truth: let the people tremble (in fear or rage). God’s sovereignty cannot be ignored because His actions change everything, and nothing and no one can resist His will. The only appropriate response to His sovereignty is to submit to it; the alternative is to be crushed by it.

Think About It: Psalm 2:1 – 3 gives one possible response to God’s sovereignty. Given the fact that God’s rule is fair, that He is merciful and His decisions loving and just, why do people have such a response to God? What is my response to God’s sovereignty?  According to James 4:13 – 16 what is one practical means of acknowledging God’s sovereignty?

Prayer: Thus and so I will do, if the Lord wills.

 

Read: Psalm 99:1; Matthew 6:10; Psalm 103:19 – 21; Daniel 4:35

In Psalm 99:1, the second truth revealed about God is that He sits between the cherubim. Representations of the cherubim flanked the mercy seat atop the ark of the covenant. The actual cherubim flank God’s heavenly throne; therefore, this truth about God says that He reigns in heaven, and the response is that the whole earth is to be moved according to His will.

Think About It: How does this truth and response of Psalm 99:1 relate to how Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6:10?  What insights does Psalm 103:19 – 21 give as to how God’s will is done in heaven?  When I perceive what God’s will is, how deeply am I motivated to do it?

Prayer: Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, in my life!

 

Read: Psalm 99:2; Isaiah 55:8 – 9; 1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 19:30

In Psalm 99:2, the truth proclaimed about God is that the Lord is great in Zion; He is high above all the people. This truth about God explains an aspect of holiness: it is separate, apart, high and lifted up. The appropriate response: let them praise God’s great and awesome name.

Think About It: What are some examples of God’s holiness in terms of His separateness and loftiness above His people according to the scripture references for today?  What are some examples that illustrate that God’s thoughts are not like our thoughts, and His ways not like our ways?

Prayer: Praise Him; Holy is He.

 

Read: Psalm 99:3, 5, 9; Romans 5:2; Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 4:16, 10:19 – 22

In Psalm 99 vv. 3, 5, 9, the truth proclaimed is that God is holy. His “holy hill” is the hill of Zion, the Temple Mount; the picture is of corporate worship, the people of God going up together to worship God.

Think About It: What are the appropriate responses to the truth that God is Holy according to vv. 3, 5, and 9? What does it mean to “exalt” the Lord?  What does the picture of worship at God’s “footstool” suggest?  Where is God’s “holy hill”? How can I worship at God’s footstool? How can I worship at God’s holy hill?

Prayer: Praise God for He is holy.

 

Read: Psalm 99:4; Isaiah 58:1 – 14

The truth about God proclaimed in Psalm 99:4: He establishes justice and equity and executes judgment and righteousness “in Jacob”– i.e., among His people.

The appropriate response to this truth: to love God’s judgments– this is the “king’s strength,” to go along with what God is doing, to be an instrument of God’s justice and equity.

Think About It: How does Isaiah 58 relate to Psalm 99:4? What was the problem with the people who said they were seeking the Lord according to Isaiah 58? What did they need to do? What did God say He would do for them if they did what they needed to do?   What does Isaiah 58 mean for me?

Prayer: Lord, help me to seek Your justice in righteousness.

 

Read: Psalm 99:6, 8; Psalm 50:15; Jeremiah 29:12

The truth about God in Psalm 99 verses 6 and 8 is that the Lord answers those who call upon Him and forgives them.  The appropriate response to this truth is to call upon the Lord.  Moses and Aaron, priests, and Samuel, a prophet, are our examples.  Psalm 99 involves responses from all of the categories of rulers in Israel– the king, who is to love judgment, the prophets and priests, who are to call upon the Lord.

Think About It: What is the meaning of Psalm 99:8? Is it possible to “hate the sin but love the sinner”?

Prayer: Father, forgive me my trespasses.

 

Read: Psalm 99:7; Deuteronomy 10:12; Micah 6:8; John 6:29; 15:17; James 1:22

The truth about God proclaimed in Psalm 99:7 is that God speaks. He reveals His will in His testimonies (a reference to the Law) and His ordinances (a reference to His specific directions). The appropriate response to that proclamation is to keep His testimonies and follow His direction.

Think About It: What is it that God requires of me?  How can I know God’s specific direction for my life? Am I following what I know God wants me to do?

Prayer: Thy will be done.