stephen R Harrison

As you read the psalms, you will notice several genres that express several emotions. Some genres like psalms of lament seem sad and address problems by asking for God’s help. Imprecatory psalms seem angry ask God to bring justice to an enemy. Psalms of thanksgiving express gratitude to the Lord. Penitential psalms display sorrow over sin. A royal psalm is one written to honor God as King and Lord. Psalm 99 is a royal psalm intended to worship the reign of the Lord as King. While some kings rule a single nation, the Lord rules them all. His Kingdom goes beyond a single territory as “the nations tremble” (v. 1). His throne is not in an earthly castle but in the eternal heavens “between the cherubim” (v. 1). This conveys the Lord’s supreme rule of not only the earth but also the universe. Many kings have made momentary names for themselves, but the Lord’s name has no beginning nor end. His name is awesome, great, and to be praised as He is holy (v. 3). Some may praise an earthly king for something they’ve done during their reign, but the Lord’s character and actions far outweigh any temporary king. All earthly kings are mortal men, but the Lord is the immortal God! No earthly king can wear that crown! He truly is the mighty King (v. 4). While some worldly kings possess limited justice and mercy, the Lord established and embodies them out of His divine love and holiness (v. 4).

As the immortal King of Kings, the Lord rules over every generation and not only a couple like a human king would. He is Lord over Jacob (v. 4), Moses and Aaron (v. 6), and Samuel (v. 6). The psalmist asked the reader to exalt and worship the Lord because He is holy (v. 5). While we may thank an earthly king and leader for a just act or respect them for a compassionate gesture, the Lord is to be worshipped for being completely just and holy. Earthly kings and rulers are imperfect as they can abuse power, act unjustly, lack compassion, and reign selfishly. The Lord always acts righteously and purely out of His perfect and holy nature. An earthly king is limited in their power and in their ability to respond to those they govern. God, however, answers all those who call on His name (v. 6) through miraculous actions and just commands (v. 7). Those who submit to His reign willingly follow His statutes out of worship and do not find His rule to be burdensome. The Lord is the only king Who has the ability to have a relationship with every one of His followers. Earthly rulers most likely don’t know your name, but God knows everything about you, created you, and loves you! Our relational King and Lord forgives and disciplines rightly like a good Father (v. eight). Earthly kings should never be worshipped, but His holy and just nature as sovereign King are the reason we “exalt the Lord our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy” (v. 9).

Questions:

1. Although relational, do you see God as King with absolute authority?
2. Do you trust His discipline as much as you trust His forgiveness?
3. Does His Kingdom Rule cause you to worship?

Prayer:
Lord, You are holy and just. There is no one like You. Your reign has no end. Your decrees are wonderful. Your forgiveness is sweet. Your discipline is needed. You act righteously and pure out of Your holy divine character. You are to be worshipped. I exalt Your name above every name. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.