Purpose

To provide a songbook for worship and express the full range of human emotions in relationship with God.

Author

Multiple authors over 1,000 years. David wrote nearly half (73 psalms), often during his years as a shepherd, warrior, and king. Other contributors include worship leaders, musicians, and poets.

Historical Context

Written: 1440-400 BC. Israel's worship songs covering 1,000 years of history from Moses to the exile.

Significance

The Bible's prayer book and hymnal, showing us how to relate to God honestly in every circumstance.

Key Themes

Worship, Prayer, God's Character, Trust, Deliverance

Interesting Facts

• Psalms is the longest book in the Bible with 150 chapters
• Jesus quoted Psalms more than any other Old Testament book
• Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible (2 verses)

Prophecies

• Messianic psalms predicting Christ's suffering and glory (Psalms 22, 69, 110, etc.) Fulfilled: Jesus fulfilled these in His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension (1000 years later)

Psalm 99 is a majestic celebration of the sovereignty and holiness of God, calling the nations to recognize His greatness and to worship Him. The chapter opens with a call to reverence, stating that the Lord reigns from His throne among the cherubim, instilling a sense of awe and fear among the peoples of the earth. This imagery emphasizes God's supreme authority and power, suggesting that His reign is not only a source of comfort for His people but also a cause for trembling among those who oppose Him. The psalmist goes on to extol the greatness of God in Zion, highlighting His exaltation above all nations and inviting everyone to praise His awesome name. The repetition of 'holy' throughout the chapter reinforces God's distinct and separate nature from humanity, emphasizing His moral perfection and utter purity. The psalm also reflects on Israel’s history, mentioning key figures such as Moses, Aaron, and Samuel—leaders and priests who called upon God and received His guidance. This historical remembrance serves to remind the worshippers of God’s faithfulness in their past. The mention of God answering their prayers underlines His willingness to engage with His people, demonstrating that He is not a distant deity but one who is intimately involved in their lives. Furthermore, the text contrasts God's forgiving nature with His role as an avenger of wrongdoing, illustrating the balance of His grace and justice. The call to worship at God’s holy mountain encapsulates the chapter’s theme, encouraging believers to approach God with reverence and gratitude, acknowledging both His holiness and His mercy. Ultimately, Psalm 99 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unrivaled majesty and the appropriate human response of worship and obedience.