Psalms 99 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. The Lord reigneth - See the note on Psalms 97:1.

Let the people tremble - He will establish his kingdom in spite of his enemies; let those who oppose him tremble for the consequences.

He sitteth between the cherubims - This is in reference to the ark, at each end of which was a cherub of glory; and the shechinah, or symbol of the Divine Presence, appeared on the lid of the ark, called also the mercy-seat, between the cherubim. Sitting between the cherubim implies God's graciousness and mercy. While then, in his reign, he was terrible to sinners, he is on the throne of grace to all who fear love, and obey him. Though this symbol were not in the second temple, yet the Divine Being might very well be thus denominated, because it had become one of his titles, he having thus appeared under the tabernacle and first temple.

The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people. The Lord is great in Zion - It is among his own worshippers that he has manifested his power and glory in an especial manner. There he is known, and there he is worthily magnified.

Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy. Let them praise thy great and terrible name - Let them confess thee to be great and terrible: let them tremble before thee.

For it is holy - קדוש הוא kadosh hu. As this not only ends this verse but the fifth also, and in effect the ninth, it seems to be a species of chorus which was sung in a very solemn manner at the conclusion of each of these parts. His holiness - the immaculate purity of his nature, was the reason why he should be exalted, praised, and worshipped.

The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob. The king's strength - If this Psalm were written by David, he must mean by it that he was God's vicegerent or deputy, and that, even as king, God was his strength, and the pattern according to which equity, judgment, and righteousness should be executed in Jacob.

Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy. Worship at his footstool - Probably meaning the ark on which the Divine glory was manifested. Sometimes the earth is called God's footstool, Matthew 5:35; Isaiah 66:1; sometimes Jerusalem; sometimes the temple, Lamentations 2:1; sometimes the tabernacle, Psalms 32:7; and sometimes the ark, 1 Chronicles 28:2. The Israelites, when they worshipped, turned their faces toward the ark, because that was the place where was the symbol of the Divine Presence.

For he is holy - The burden chanted by the chorus.

Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them. Moses and Aaron - As Moses and Aaron among the priests, and as Samuel among the prophets, worshipped God in humility, gratitude, and the spirit of obedience, and received the strongest tokens of the Divine favor; so worship ye the Lord, that he may bless, support, and save you. Moses was properly the priest of the Hebrews before Aaron and his family were appointed to that office.

He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them. He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar - That is, he directed all their operations, marchings, and encampments by this cloudy pillar. See Exodus 33:9.

They kept his testimonies - Do ye the same, and God will be your portion as he was theirs.

Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions. Thou - forgavest them - When the people had sinned, and wrath was about to descend on them, Moses and Aaron interceded for them, and they were not destroyed.

Tookest vengeance of their inventions - God spared them, but showed his displeasure at their misdoings. He chastised, but did not consume them. This is amply proved in the history of this people.

Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy. Worship at his holy hill - Worship him publicly in the temple.

For the Lord our God is holy - The words of the chorus; as in the third and fifth verses.

Commentary on the Bible, by Adam Clarke [1831].