Psalms 99

Psalms 99:1-9

Victory over evil. The victory over evil requires more development. It is this that the sixth psalm of the series, in accordance with the numerical significance, now takes up. Salvation by judgment necessarily involves it; but we see this worked out here both in regard to the world at large, and to the saints also. Thus the apostle applies it to the latter: “for the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God;” and in this way “the righteous are with difficulty saved” (1 Peter 4:17-18) -not “scarcely:” but God having to be at such pains with them to bring them through, so as both to His creatures at large, and for their own sakes also, to justify His holy government.

1. The first section; therefore, speaks of this government as now manifested, Jehovah reigning, enthroned above the cherubim, as Ezekiel and the book of Revelation show Him. In the latter the “living creatures” in their various characters thus represent the features of His rule. The lion shows the fundamental necessity for all government -power. The ox shows it however to be used in patient ministry, as true rule is. The “face of a man” speaks of intelligence that seeks to be known by men His creatures.

And lastly, the “flying eagle” speaks of ways yet “too wonderful” for comprehension by them (Proverbs 30:18-19). These cherubic beings, with their sleepless vigilance and activity, proclaim the Thrice-holy who is still above them (Revelation 4:8); and this is the Throne now established over the earth. Well may “the peoples tremble” before Him; and “the earth be moved.” But He reigns in Zion, which His grace has chosen as the place of His rest, the accessible metropolis of the whole earth. Let the peoples praise His great and terrible Name: for it is holy. 2. Might and right are wedded at last, in a despotic rule, from which yet none need shrink except the wicked. For “the king’s strength loveth judgment” -a beautiful poetic phrase which strangely seems to perplex the commentators: “Thou hast established equity; Thou hast executed judgment and righteousness in Jacob.” Thus the world is saved and blest, and all are bidden to worship at the footstool of the Throne: Jehovah our God is holy. The third verse here one might naturally take to belong to the closing section. Yet the structure is against it: for it is evidently a third and not a first, and its presence in the last section would derange all the numbers there. Moreover the connection is not so close as at first it seems. “In the pillar of cloud He spake to them,” could not refer to Samuel; and the three together -Moses and Aaron and Samuel are cited here as practical examples of the worship to which the people now are called. Such were the men that drew nigh to Him; His priests: Samuel not officially that, but practically standing in that place, when the priests themselves had departed from Him, and known characteristically as one that called upon His Name. These all, He in His faithfulness had answered, drawing near to those that drew near to Him. 3. But with all His people sanctification was the object that He steadily pursued. “In the pillar of cloud He spake to them” -that pillar which as the sign of His Presence, moved with them all the way from Egypt to the land: thus grace had sought them; and obedience followed: “they kept His testimonies, and the statute He gave unto them.” His holiness was as fully displayed as His love; and His love was not less that it was holy: “Jehovah our God, Thou answeredst them: a forgiving God Thou wast to them; even while taking vengeance on their doings.” Upon them it was not wrath, but chastening love -grace that showed itself in this that declared His wrath upon the evil, to make them “partakers of His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10). Thus does “grace reign” in holiness as well as righteousness; the very “vengeance” only showing the forgiveness to be really that, and not indifference; and that “without holiness no man shall see the Lord” (ver. 14). Blessed, salutary lessons, worthy of God to give! Praise, therefore, is what ends the psalm: “Exalt Jehovah our God; and worship at His holy hill: for Jehovah our God is holy.”