Psalms 99:5
Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.
Original Language Analysis
רֽוֹמְמ֡וּ
Exalt
H7311
רֽוֹמְמ֡וּ
Exalt
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
1 of 8
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
יְה֘וָ֤ה
ye the LORD
H3068
יְה֘וָ֤ה
ye the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֗ינוּ
our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֗ינוּ
our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 8
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְֽ֭הִשְׁתַּחֲווּ
and worship
H7812
וְֽ֭הִשְׁתַּחֲווּ
and worship
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
4 of 8
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
רַגְלָ֗יו
at his footstool
H7272
רַגְלָ֗יו
at his footstool
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
6 of 8
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
Cross References
Psalms 132:7We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.Psalms 108:5Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;Isaiah 66:1Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?Exodus 15:2The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.Isaiah 12:4And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.Isaiah 25:1O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.Psalms 34:3O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.Psalms 99:3Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.
Historical Context
The temple's inner courts, where worshipers brought sacrifices, represented the footstool of God's heavenly throne, allowing approach to holy God through prescribed means.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you cultivate worship that balances reverent awe at God's holiness with confidence in approaching Him through Christ?
- What does it mean to 'exalt' God in daily life beyond formal worship times?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The command to 'exalt the LORD our God' (romemu Yahweh Elohenu) uses covenant language ('our God'), inviting personal relationship with the transcendent King. Worshiping 'at his footstool' refers to the ark of the covenant or the temple, God's earthly dwelling place. The repetition 'for he is holy' (kadosh hu) reinforces the theme of God's holiness as the reason for worship. Bowing at His footstool combines humility (prostration) with intimacy (approaching His presence). True worship acknowledges both God's otherness and His nearness.