Psalm XCVI
PSALM XCIX.
Ver. 1-13. The substance of this Psalm, and portions of tne 97th, 9Sth, and 100th, are fopnd in 1 Chronicles 16., whicli was used by David's directions In the dedication of the tabernacle on Mount Zion. The dispensation of the Messiali was typified by that event, involving, as it did, a more permanent seat of worship, and the introduction of additional and more spiritual services. Hence the language of the.se Psalms may be regarded as having a higher import than that pertinent to the occasion on which it was tlms publicly used.
Ver. 1-9. God's government is especially exercised In and for His Churcli, wliich should praise Him for His gracious dealings.
1. sittetlt . . . cherubim—(cf. 1 Samuel 4. 4; Psalm 80. 1). tremble . . . be moved—inspired with fear by His judgments on tlie wicked. 2. great in Zion—wliere He dwells (Psalm 9. 11). 3. thy . . . name—perfections of justice, power, Ac. great and terrible—producing dread (Deuteronomy 10. 17), and to be praised by those over whom He is exalted (Psalm 97. 9). It is holy—or. He is holy (v.
1-3. AH nations are invited to unite in this most joyful praise, new song lit., fresh, for new mercies (Psalm 33.
5, 9; Isaiah 6. 3). 4, 5. To His wise and righteous government all nations should render honour, king's... judgment—His power is combined with justice, he la holy—(cf. Psalm 22. 3). 6-8. The experience of these sei'- vants of God is cited for encouragement, among . . . priests, among . . . upon tlie Lord [and] He spake . , . pillar—may be referred to all three (cf. E.xodus 18. 19 ; Leviticus8.15; Deuteronomy .5. 5; ISamuel9. 13). Thecloudy pillar was the medium of Divine intercourse (Exodus 33.
3; 40.3). show forth lit., declare joyful tidings. The salvation illustrates His glory in its wonders of love and mercy. 4, 5. For He is not a local God, but of universal agency, while idols are nothing. 6. Honour and majesty—are His attendants, declared in His mighty works, wiiile power and grace are specially seen in His spiritual relations to His people. 7-9. Give—or, ascribe (Psalm 29.
1) due lionour to Him, by acts of appointed and solemn worsliip in His house. oflTering—of thanks, beauty of holiness—(Psalm 29. 2.) fear . . . lilm—(Psalm 2. 11.) 10.
9; Numbers 12.5). Obedience was united with worship. God answered them as intercessors for the people, who, though forgiven, were yet chastened (Exodus 32. 10, 34).
I.et all know that the government of the world is ordered in Justice, and they shall enjoy Arm and lasting peace (cf. Psalm 72. 3, 7; Isaiah 9. 6, 7). 11-13. For which reason the universe is invoked to unite in joy, and even inanimate nature (Romans 8. 14-22) is poetically represented as capable of joining in the anthem of praise.