Psalms 99:1
The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֣ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יִרְגְּז֣וּ
tremble
H7264
יִרְגְּז֣וּ
tremble
Strong's:
H7264
Word #:
3 of 8
to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)
עַמִּ֑ים
let the people
H5971
עַמִּ֑ים
let the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
he sitteth
H3427
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
he sitteth
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
Cross References
Exodus 25:22And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.Psalms 97:1The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.Psalms 80:1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.Psalms 93:1The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.Revelation 20:11And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.Revelation 11:17Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.Isaiah 19:14The LORD hath mingled a perverse spirit in the midst thereof: and they have caused Egypt to err in every work thereof, as a drunken man staggereth in his vomit.Psalms 97:4His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.Psalms 18:10And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.Psalms 96:10Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.
Historical Context
The ark of the covenant with its cherubim-adorned mercy seat represented God's throne in Israel, making His reign both theological truth and liturgical reality in temple worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does awareness of God's holy reign produce both reverential fear and confident trust in your life?
- What does it mean that the God who is enthroned above cherubim also dwells with His people through Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The declaration 'The LORD reigneth' (Yahweh malak) opens this third consecutive enthronement psalm, emphasizing God's kingship as central to worship. The call for people to 'tremble' (ragaz) indicates appropriate fear before the holy King. God 'sitteth between the cherubims' refers to the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies, where God's presence dwelled above the ark. This position demonstrates both God's transcendent holiness and His immanent presence with His people. The earth moving at His reign shows creation's response to divine sovereignty.