Psalms 99:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 99:1
1 The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.
Chapter Context
Psalms 99 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, faith, hope. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-9: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 99:1
1 The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Kingdom: Psalms 93:1, 96:10, 97:1, Revelation 11:17
- References Lord: Isaiah 19:14
- Parallel theme: Psalms 18:10, 80:1, 97:4, Exodus 25:22, Revelation 20:11