What does “The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble” mean?

The opening line is saying that God is the true King over everyone. When it says “let the people tremble,” it is not talking about a nervous fear, but a deep respect and awareness that God is holy and powerful. His rule is not weak or distant. He is close to His people and also judges His enemies. This should move people to take Him seriously, turn from sin, and come before Him with humble, careful hearts, not in a casual or careless way.

What does it mean that God sits between the cherubims?

“He sitteth between the cherubims” points to the place in Israel’s worship where God showed His presence above the ark of the covenant. On the ark were two golden cherubim, and God promised to meet His people there. Saying He sits there is a way of saying He is the true King who is present with His people. It reminds us that God is not only high above all nations but also near to His gathered people when they worship Him.

Why is God’s name called “great and terrible” and “holy”?

God’s name is called “great and terrible” because it speaks of His greatness and the kind of fear that comes when we see His power and purity. “Terrible” here means awe-inspiring, not cruel. His name is holy, set apart from all that is common or sinful. This is why the psalm calls people to praise Him. When we say His name is holy, we are saying He is completely pure, always right, and worthy of respect in how we speak about Him and how we live.

What does this passage teach about God’s justice and equity?

The passage says the King’s strength “loveth judgment” and that He establishes equity and does righteousness in Jacob. This means God’s rule is fair and right. He is not a ruler who misuses power or overlooks evil. He cares about right and wrong and puts just order in the life of His people. This gives comfort to those who suffer under unfair rulers and also warns those who do wrong that God sees, and He will not ignore sin forever.

Who are Moses, Aaron, and Samuel in this psalm, and why are they mentioned?

Moses, Aaron, and Samuel were key leaders in Israel’s history. Moses led the people out of slavery and received God’s law. Aaron served as priest, offering sacrifices. Samuel was a prophet and judge who prayed for the people. They are mentioned here as examples of people who called on the Lord and were answered. Their lives show that God listens to those who seek Him, and that real leadership among God’s people depends on prayer and obedience to His word.

What does it mean that God forgave them yet took vengeance of their inventions?

This line shows both God’s mercy and His holiness. He forgave His people when they sinned and turned back to Him, but He still corrected them and brought trouble for their sinful ways. Their “inventions” means their own wrong ideas and actions. So God did not cast them off, but He did not let sin pass without discipline. This helps us see that God’s forgiveness does not mean sin is light. He loves His people too much to leave them in their wrongdoing.

What is meant by worshipping at God’s footstool and holy hill?

Worshipping at God’s “footstool” and “holy hill” points to coming near where He has placed His name. For Israel, this was the temple area, where the ark was and where God promised to hear them. Calling it His footstool reminds us that He is the high King, and they bow at His feet. The “holy hill” is the place He chose for His worship. For us, it points to drawing near to God with respect and humility when His people gather in His presence.

How does this passage apply to believers today?

This passage calls believers today to hold together two truths about God: He is near and He is holy. We are encouraged to trust that He still reigns, loves justice, and hears prayer like He did for Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. At the same time, we are reminded not to treat Him lightly. We should confess sin, accept His discipline, and praise His holy name. In daily life, this means seeking what is right, praying honestly, and joining with others to honor Him.

What does this psalm teach about God’s holiness?

The words “for he is holy” are repeated, which shows how central this is. God’s holiness means He is completely pure, separate from all evil, and perfect in every way. His holiness shapes everything He does: His rule, His justice, His mercy, and His answers to prayer. Because He is holy, our worship should be humble and serious. We cannot come to Him on our own terms, but we come with respect, trusting His mercy and letting His ways correct ours.

Ps.99.1

Psalm 99:1

KJV

The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

The LORD Reigns!

1 The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

2 The Lord is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people.

3 Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.

4 The king’s strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.

5 Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.

6 Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the Lord, and he answered them.

7 He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.

8 Thou answeredst them, O Lord our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.

9 Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.