Psalms 99 - Introduction

Jehovah's fresh proclamation of His sovereignty is once more the initial watchword, as in Psalms 93, 97 (cp. Psalms 96:10), and doubtless this Psalm belongs to the same period. Its distinctive idea is expressed in the threefold refrain [Psalms 99:3; Psalms 99:5; Psalms 99:9). It is a call to all nations, and especially to His own people, to worship Jehovah as the thrice Holy God. The unceasing adoration which is evoked in heaven by the contemplation of the absolute moral perfection of God (Isaiah 6:3) should find an echo upon earth.

The Psalm consists of three stanzas: the refrain in Psalms 99:3; Psalms 99:5; Psalms 99:9may possibly have been intended to be sung as a liturgical response.

The universal sovereignty of Jehovah who has established His throne in Zion (Psalms 99:1-3); the righteous character of His rule in Israel (Psalms 99:4-5); and His faithfulness in His dealings with His people manifested in their history (Psalms 99:6-9), are successively celebrated; and each stanza ends with a call to worship and extol Him as the Holy God; the first (Psalms 99:3) addressed to the nations, the second and third (Psalms 99:5; Psalms 99:9) to Israel.