99:1 Yahweh is king Emphasizes God’s theocratic rule over the earth. See 93:1 and note.

the peoples See 96:3 and note.

the cherubim This refers to the golden cherubim on the ark of the covenant. See note on 18:10.

99:2 Zion The temple mount in Jerusalem, which is virtually synonymous with Jerusalem itself. From Jerusalem, Yahweh sits as the ruler who is above all rulers and powers of the earth. See note on 20:2.

99:3 name Familiarity with God’s name emphasizes intimate knowledge of Him rather than a particular label. See 91:14 and note.

He is holy Repeated in v. 5 and 99:9. God’s purity of character forms the foundation of holiness. See 93:5 and note.

99:4 the strength of the king loves justice God rules justly and does not rely on power alone. See 94:15 and note.

Justice

equity God’s judgment is characterized by fairness and integrity.

justice and righteousness The psalmist uses the justice and righteousness that Yahweh has brought to Israel as support for why everyone should praise Yahweh (v. 3).

Jacob Refers here to the nation of Israel. The patriarch Jacob’s name was changed by God to Israel (see Ge 32:28).

99:5 Exalt Yahweh our God Yahweh is specifically called the God of Israel. This phrase is repeated a total three times (Ps 99:5, 8, 9). See v. 9.

worship The word chawah means “to bow down.” It emphasizes the humility required for true worship. See note on 95:6.

his footstool This refers to the earth in Isa 66:1, the ark of the covenant in 1 Chr 28:2, and Zion (the temple mount) in Lam 2:1. Here, it probably refers to the temple mount in Jerusalem.

99:6 Moses and Aaron Two brothers who played a pivotal role in rescuing Israel from enslavement in Egypt. See Exod 7:1–2.

his priests Refers to someone with the authority to minister before Yahweh in sacred space, such as the tabernacle and temple.

Samuel A prominent leader of Israel during the transition from the time of the Judges into the monarchy. The psalmist may be drawing from the episode of Samuel’s calling in 1 Sam 3.

he answered them Implies a positive response to the faithful person’s call.

99:7 the pillar of cloud During Israel’s time in the wilderness, Yahweh appeared in a pillar of cloud. See Exod 19:9; 40:34–38.

his testimonies Refers to God’s laws and legal provisions.

99:8 forgiving The Hebrew word used here, nasa—which may be literally rendered as “to carry” or “to lift up”—describes how Yahweh removes sin or iniquity.

an avenger The psalmist describes how God is serving justice. See Ps 94:1 and note.

99:9 holy mountain Refers to mount Zion, the temple mount in Jerusalem.

Yahweh our God is holy The psalmist concludes by combining the Hebrew phrases yhwh elohenu (“Yahweh our God”) and hu qadosh (“holy is he”). This acts as a closing proclamation about the character of Yahweh—that He is set apart from everything else.