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Holy is He!
The author of this Psalm is not known. Psalm 99 is also a Hymn psalm in a section of Enthronement Psalms. Like other psalms in this section (93–100) this one addresses the reign of Jesus, the God-Man from Jerusalem that immediately follows His second coming. So, this psalm is future for us as well. It is at this time that some of the dormant Mosaic covenant promises will be fulfilled. For example, “I will place My residence among you, and I will not reject you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people. (Lev 26:11–12 HCSB) Yahweh is the covenant name for God in the Old Testament. We learn in the N.T. that Jesus (Yeshua) is the person of the trinity that will actually reign from Jerusalem. Because Yeshua is God, the second person of the triune godhead, and He is also fully human (though in a glorified body), He is uniquely suited for this 1000-year reign. Verses 1, 2, and 8 begin with the term Yahweh in the original text. And three times this chapter declares that Yahweh is holy—Holy is He (3, 5, 9). This psalm will be fitting to be sung on the first and every day of Jesus’ 1000-year reign on the earth from Jerusalem. The central principle of Jesus’ earthly government will be holiness.
I. The worship of the enthroned King Yahweh in Israel (vs. 1–3)
A. Yahweh dwells on a living throne between the angels
B. The Gentiles need and the earth need to shake in fear
C. Yahweh’s greatness is recognized in Jerusalem (Zion) on earth
D. Yahweh’s name is great and awesome
E. Yahweh is holy, Holy is He!
F. Yahweh is totally morally pure and righteous
G. Yahweh is far above time bound, temporary, and imperfect humans
H. Yahweh’s throne is an amazing site (Ps 18:6–19; Ezek 1:4–14)
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord (adonai) seated on a high and lofty throne, and His robe filled the temple. Burning ones (Seraphim) were standing above Him; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another: Holy, holy, holy is Yahweh of armies; His glory fills the whole earth. The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke. Then I said: Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, Yahweh of armies. Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said: Now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, and your sin is atoned for. (Isa 6:1–7)
I. In this psalm His throne is on the earth, on Mount Zion in Israel
J. All the nations must worship Jesus during this time
II. The rule and worship of the enthroned King Yahweh in Israel (vs. 4–5)
A. Jesus as a mighty warrior is also One who loves justice
B. He not only won the victory at the cross, but in the battle at His second coming, this great and terrible Day of Yahweh
C. Jesus’ court will be run with uprightness, accuracy and precise judgment
D. Jacob or Ya’akov is the former name of Israel before he was renamed. Yahweh will personally reign in Israel through the person of Jesus the Messiah
E. Worship Jesus at His footstool. Where will you be? Right, on the ground
F. The “footstool” is symbolic for the ark of the covenant, the temple, and Jerusalem
III. The revelation of the enthroned King Yahweh to Israel (vs. 6–7)
A. Moses, Aaron, and Samuel interceded in prayer for Israel
B. What does they called on His name mean? Selection and submission
C. Yahweh answered these men’s prayers for His people
D. Moses and Samuel were Scripture writers, Aaron the High priest
E. These three followed the testimonies (Ten Commandments) and the worship regulations and ordinances. This couplet of Moral and Ceremonial law stands for the entire law including the Civil laws of Israel.
IV. The exaltation of the enthroned King Yahweh in Israel (vs. 8–9)
A. Yahweh answered Moses, Aaron, and Samuel’s prayers. They were men like us.
B. Yahweh granted forgiveness to these men for their sins
C. Yahweh chastised these men for their sins and some had lingering consequences
1. Moses striking the rock in disobedience, dishonoring the type
2. He had to wait almost 1,500 years to enter the land of Palestine
3. Aaron was healed from his leprosy, but died on the way to Palestine
4. Samuel’s mistakes as father outlived him
And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by Him. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives. (Heb 12:5–6 ESV)
D. We are commanded to praise Yahweh
1. He alone is God (holy, supreme, eternal, all powerful)
2. He is our God (by covenant relationship)
3. Worship is to be exclusive for the God of the Bible
4. When Jesus comes back to earth, we are to worship Him, because He is God, God the Father is God, God the Holy Spirit is God, three persons yet one in substance and being
E. The third time the author states it more fully, Holy is Yahweh our God
Lessons to live by:
• If we come to Jesus on His terms, we can say in truth He is our God, just like we can say this of the Father and of the Holy Spirit.
• If the Bible makes such a big deal about God’s holiness, why is it that we ignore it?
• There will be no righteous government until Jesus returns.
• We can go to God in prayer and intercede for His people as we come to the Father in the name of the Son by the power and aid of the Holy Spirit.
• God is not done with the land of Israel yet, all His promises to them will be fulfilled just as all His promises to us will be fulfilled.
