Psalm 99 1

Psalm 99:1 kjv

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

Psalm 99:1 nkjv

The LORD reigns; Let the peoples tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; Let the earth be moved!

Psalm 99:1 niv

The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake.

Psalm 99:1 esv

The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!

Psalm 99:1 nlt

The LORD is king!
Let the nations tremble!
He sits on his throne between the cherubim.
Let the whole earth quake!

Psalm 99 verses

Psalm 99 1 Meaning

Psalm 99:1 declares the unwavering and active kingship of the Lord, God of Israel, asserting His supreme authority over all creation and nations. It demands a universal response of reverential awe and trembling acknowledgment from all peoples, emphasizing His awesome power. The verse grounds this cosmic sovereignty in His intimate presence with His people, depicted as enthroned between the cherubim, signifying His accessibility and the profound impact of His holy dwelling on the entire earth.

Psalm 99 1 Context

Psalm 99 belongs to a distinctive collection often referred to as "enthronement psalms" (Psalms 93, 95-99, 100). These psalms commence with, or strongly feature, the declarative phrase "The Lord reigns," functioning as a proclamation of God's sovereign rule. This psalm is structured like a liturgical hymn, possibly used in temple worship, inviting the community to participate in acknowledging and responding to God's kingship.

Historically, the declaration of YHWH as King served as a powerful polemic against the polytheistic beliefs of surrounding nations. Unlike local, limited, or capricious deities, the God of Israel is proclaimed as the universal, righteous, and eternally reigning monarch who transcends all earthly powers. The verse’s reference to "peoples" and "earth" explicitly extends God's authority beyond Israel to encompass all humanity and creation. The phrase "He dwells between the cherubim" grounds this transcendent, universal rule in His immanent, covenantal presence within the tabernacle and later the temple, specifically atop the Ark of the Covenant, underscoring that the Almighty Ruler is also intimately present among His people.

Psalm 99 1 Word analysis

• The Lord: Hebrew YHWH (יהוה). This is the personal, covenant name of God, frequently translated "LORD" in English Bibles (in all capital letters) to distinguish it from Adonai ("Lord"). It speaks to God's self-existence, eternal being, and covenant faithfulness. The declaration of "The Lord" reigning roots this sovereignty in His unique divine identity and unbreakable promises.

• reigns: Hebrew malak (מָלָךְ). This is a perfect verb, indicating a completed action with ongoing results, thus a present and enduring reality. It means to be king, to rule, to exercise kingly power. This is not merely an attribute of God but an active, continuous, and absolute exercise of dominion.

• let the peoples tremble!: Hebrew yir'g'zu 'ammim (יִרְגְּזוּ עַמִּים).

  • let... tremble! (Hebrew yir'g'zu): This is a jussive form of the verb ragaz (רָגַז), meaning to shake, tremble, be agitated, or rage. Here, in response to YHWH’s reign, it is an imperative, calling for a compelled or desired response. It signifies a trembling of reverential awe, fearful submission, and acknowledgement of overwhelming power and potential judgment.
  • the peoples (Hebrew 'ammim): Refers to the nations, tribes, or peoples beyond Israel, signifying the universal scope of God's reign and the demanded response from all humanity.

• He dwells between the cherubim: Hebrew yoshev hak'ruvim (יֵשֵׁב כְּרוּבִים).

  • He dwells (Hebrew yoshev): More precisely, "He sits," or "He is enthroned." This verb highlights God's royal posture, firmly established in His sovereign seat.
  • between the cherubim (Hebrew hak'ruvim): Refers to the angelic figures forming the lid of the Ark of the Covenant, the "mercy seat." This was the symbolic throne and visible representation of God's presence in the Holy of Holies within the tabernacle and temple. It signifies God's holiness, His intimate dwelling among His covenant people, and His authority as He manifests His presence from this sacred place. The cherubim often appear in scripture as guardians of divine holiness (Gen 3:24), associated with God's throne (Eze 1:4-28), and symbolizing His mobility and majesty.

• let the earth quake!: Hebrew tanut 'arets (תָּנוּט אָרֶץ).

  • let... quake! (Hebrew tanut): This is a jussive form of the verb nut (נוּט), meaning to waver, shake, totter, or reel. Similar to "tremble," it is an imperative, signifying a compelled cosmic response.
  • the earth (Hebrew 'arets): Refers to the physical ground and, by extension, the entire created order. The earth's trembling highlights God's absolute power and the magnitude of His presence and reign, impacting even the inanimate creation. It evokes themes of theophany and divine judgment.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!": This parallelism forcefully announces divine sovereignty and then prescribes the mandatory universal human response. It is a challenge to any who would resist or ignore the King of the universe, setting the stage for a Psalm focused on God's holiness and righteousness.
  • "He dwells between the cherubim; let the earth quake!": This second couplet reinforces the first by connecting God's cosmic reign to His specific, localized, and holy presence. The presence of such a Holy King, though intimate, inspires a cosmic response of trembling and awe from the very foundations of the earth, testifying to His power.

Psalm 99 1 Bonus section

• The dual declaration of "The Lord reigns" and "He dwells between the cherubim" implies that God's universal dominion and His covenant faithfulness are inextricably linked. His rule is not abstract; it is personal and active among His people.
• This verse can be seen as a liturgical acclamation, designed to evoke immediate worship and profound awe in the congregation, reminding them of who it is they serve.
• The "trembling" is a proper response to God's glory and power, leading not to terror for the faithful but to humble worship and obedient living, acknowledging His holy character.
• The emphasis on the cherubim reinforces the awe and separation associated with God’s holiness, indicating that even in His accessible presence, a profound reverence is due.

Psalm 99 1 Commentary

Psalm 99:1 opens with a magnificent double declaration that encapsulates the essence of divine sovereignty. "The Lord reigns" (YHWH malak) is an established fact, a statement of ongoing, active kingship that is not pending but presently in effect. This immediately demands a response from "the peoples" (nations). Their "trembling" is not mere fear, but a recognition of divine majesty, a bowing down in reverent awe before the cosmic King, who exercises both dominion and righteous judgment.

The verse then ties this universal sovereignty to God's unique covenant presence within Israel: "He dwells between the cherubim." This refers to God’s localized presence above the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies, the earthly symbol of His throne. This juxtaposition is profound: the transcendent God who reigns over the entire cosmos also condescends to dwell among His chosen people. Yet, this presence is so potent and holy that it provokes a cosmic reaction: "let the earth quake!" This isn't just a metaphor but a tangible indication of His overwhelming power. The same power that upholds the universe is present among His people, confirming His control over creation and His absolute right to demand worship and submission. The trembling of both peoples and the earth highlights that God's reign and His presence elicit a profound and unavoidable response from all aspects of creation, underscoring His holiness and righteousness which the rest of the psalm extols.