Psalms 99:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 99:3
3 Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.
Chapter Context
Psalms 99 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, righteousness, redemption. 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 99:3
3 Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.
Analysis
The call to praise God's 'great and terrible name' (gadol ve-nora) holds in tension His magnificent greatness and His fearsome holiness. 'It is holy' (kadosh hu) uses the same word repeated three times in Isaiah 6:3 ('Holy, holy, holy'), emphasizing God's complete otherness and moral perfection. God's name represents His revealed character, which demands worship. This holiness isn't merely separation from sin but positive moral perfection that defines goodness itself. Praising His holy name acknowledges God as the standard of righteousness.
Historical Context
Israel's covenant relationship included reverence for God's name (as in the third commandment), recognizing that His character—represented by His name—defines reality.
Reflection
- How does understanding God's holiness affect how you approach Him in prayer and worship?
- In what ways have you seen God's 'great and terrible name' profaned, and how should you respond?
Word Studies
- Holy: קָדוֹשׁ (Qadosh) H6918 - Holy, set apart
Cross-References
- Holy: Psalms 111:9, 145:17, Isaiah 6:3, John 17:11, Revelation 4:8
- Parallel theme: Psalms 66:3, Deuteronomy 7:21, 28:58, Nehemiah 1:5, 4:14