Psalms 99:9
Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.
Original Language Analysis
רֽוֹמְמ֡וּ
Exalt
H7311
רֽוֹמְמ֡וּ
Exalt
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
1 of 10
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
יְהוָ֥ה
for the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
for the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃
our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃
our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 10
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
and worship
H7812
וְ֭הִֽשְׁתַּחֲווּ
and worship
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
4 of 10
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
לְהַ֣ר
hill
H2022
לְהַ֣ר
hill
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
5 of 10
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
קָדְשׁ֑וֹ
at his holy
H6944
קָדְשׁ֑וֹ
at his holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
6 of 10
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
קָ֝ד֗וֹשׁ
is holy
H6918
קָ֝ד֗וֹשׁ
is holy
Strong's:
H6918
Word #:
8 of 10
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
Cross References
Luke 1:49For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.Isaiah 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.Revelation 4:8And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.Isaiah 5:16But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.1 Samuel 2:2There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
Historical Context
Mount Zion became holy not by inherent quality but by God's choice to dwell there, teaching that holiness derives from God's presence, not location or human effort.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the threefold emphasis on God's holiness in this psalm shape your understanding of who God is?
- What does it mean practically to 'exalt the LORD' in a culture that minimizes God's holiness and magnifies human autonomy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command to 'exalt the LORD our God' repeats verse 5, creating an inclusio that frames the psalm in worship. Worshiping 'at his holy hill' (har qodsho) refers to Mount Zion where the temple stood, emphasizing both the localized presence and the universal supremacy of God. The final declaration 'for the LORD our God is holy' (kadosh Yahweh Elohenu) climactically emphasizes God's holiness as the ultimate reason for worship. This threefold emphasis on holiness (vv. 3, 5, 9) echoes the seraphim's 'Holy, holy, holy' and establishes holiness as God's defining attribute.