Psalms 99:9

Authorized King James Version

Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.

Word-by-Word Analysis

רֽוֹמְמ֡וּ

H7311

Exalt

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

for the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃

H430

our God

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

וְ֭הִֽשְׁתַּחֲווּ

H7812

and worship

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לְהַ֣ר

H2022

hill

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

קָדְשׁ֑וֹ

H6944

at his holy

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

קָ֝ד֗וֹשׁ

H6918

is holy

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

for the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#10

אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃

H430

our God

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

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 99 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?