Exalt the Lord Our God: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Psalm 99

✨ Executive Summary ✨

Psalm 99, a powerful hymn of praise, calls us to exalt the Lord our God and worship Him in holiness. This psalm resounds with themes of God’s kingship, His justice, and His forgiveness. It emphasizes the importance of approaching God with reverence and awe, mindful of His holiness and power. The psalm reflects the liturgical practices of ancient Israel, particularly the veneration of God’s presence in the Temple. In this detailed commentary, we will delve into each verse, drawing on Coptic Orthodox tradition, Patristic wisdom, and biblical context to understand the profound spiritual lessons embedded within this timeless hymn. We will explore how this psalm continues to inform our worship and guide us into a deeper relationship with the Holy One of Israel, urging us to exalt the Lord our God in every aspect of our lives. From His holiness to His forgiveness, Psalm 99 unveils the multifaceted nature of God.

📖 Introduction 📖

Psalm 99 is a call to worship. It resonates with the awe and reverence that should characterize our encounters with the divine. It’s a short but potent psalm, packed with theological depth and practical implications for our spiritual lives. This commentary will explore the psalm’s message through the lens of Coptic Orthodox theology, drawing upon the wisdom of the Church Fathers and the rich traditions of our faith. As we unpack each verse, we’ll uncover the ways in which Psalm 99 continues to speak to us today, urging us to exalt the Lord our God above all else.

👑 Verse 1: The Lord Reigns 👑

Original Text (Hebrew): יְהוָ֣ה מָלָךְ֮ יִרְגְּז֣וּ עַמִּים֘ יֹשֵׁ֥ב כְּרוּבִ֪ים תָּנ֥וּט אָֽרֶץ׃

KJV: The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

NKJV: The Lord reigns; Let the peoples tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; Let the earth be moved!

The psalm opens with a declaration of God’s sovereign reign. “The Lord reigns!” This isn’t merely a statement of fact; it’s an invitation to acknowledge and embrace His authority over all creation. The image of God “sitting between the cherubim” evokes the Ark of the Covenant in the Temple, where God’s presence was uniquely manifested. This presence inspires both awe (“let the peoples tremble”) and stability (“Let the earth be moved!”). The Coptic Church understands this reign as encompassing not only the physical world but also the hearts of believers. St. Athanasius says, “Θεὸς γὰρ ἐβασίλευσεν ἐπὶ τῶν ἐθνῶν” (Theos gar ebasileusen epi ton ethnon) – “For God reigns over the nations” (Athanasius, *Against the Heathen*, Book 1, Section 3). This reign demands our submission and trust. Looking for a reliable hosting for your website? dohOST.us offers excellent services.

Spiritual Application: Recognize God’s reign in your life. Surrender your will to His, trusting that His authority is ultimately for your good. Let His presence inspire reverence and awe, leading you to worship Him with a humble and obedient heart.

🌍 Verse 2: The Lord Is Great in Zion 🌍

Original Text (Hebrew): יְהוָ֣ה בְּצִיּ֣וֹן גָּד֑וֹל וְרָ֥ם ה֝֗וּא עַל־כָּל־הָֽעַמִּים׃

KJV: The Lord is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people.

NKJV: The Lord is great in Zion, And He is high above all the peoples.

Zion, the city of David, represents God’s chosen dwelling place and the center of worship. This verse proclaims God’s greatness and His exalted position above all nations. It’s a reminder that God’s power and glory extend far beyond the confines of a single location, yet He chooses to manifest His presence in a special way in Zion (Jerusalem). The geographical significance of Zion highlights the historical context of the psalm, grounding it in the lived experience of the Israelites. In the Coptic tradition, Zion can be seen as a type of the Church, the New Jerusalem, where God’s presence is manifested through the sacraments and the community of believers. St. Cyril of Alexandria states, “Ἡ γὰρ Ἐκκλησία Σιὼν ἐστὶν ἡ ἀληθινή” (He gar Ekklesia Sion estin he alethine) – “For the Church is the true Zion” (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Isaiah*, Book 1, Chapter 8).

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a sense of reverence for the Church, recognizing it as a place where God’s presence is uniquely manifested. Seek to encounter God in the sacraments, in the fellowship of believers, and in the reading of Scripture. Remember that God is great and exalted, worthy of our utmost respect and adoration.

⚖️ Verse 3: Let Them Praise Your Great and Awesome Name ⚖️

Original Text (Hebrew): יוֹד֤וּ שִׁמְךָ֣ גָּד֣וֹל וְנֹורָ֑א קָד֖וֹשׁ הֽוּא׃

KJV: Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.

NKJV: Let them praise Your great and awesome name; He is holy.

This verse calls for the praise of God’s “great and awesome name.” In biblical thought, a name represents the very essence of a person or thing. To praise God’s name is to acknowledge and celebrate His character, His attributes, and His power. The word “terrible” (KJV) or “awesome” (NKJV) speaks to the overwhelming sense of God’s majesty and holiness. The concluding phrase, “He is holy,” underscores the central theme of the psalm: God’s transcendent purity and separation from all that is profane. This holiness calls for a response of reverence and humility on our part. Saint Macarius the Great teaches, “Ὅτι ἅγιος ὁ Θεὸς, ἁγίους ποιεῖ τοὺς προσερχομένους αὐτῷ” (Hoti hagios ho Theos, hagious poiei tous proserchomenous auto) – “Because God is holy, He makes holy those who come to Him” (Macarius the Great, *Homilies*, Homily 4, Section 5).

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a deep reverence for God’s name. Speak of Him with respect and adoration. Strive to live a life that reflects His holiness, allowing Him to purify and transform you into His image.

📜 Verses 4-5: Justice and Righteousness 📜

Original Text (Hebrew): וְעֹז־מֶ֣לֶךְ מִשְׁפָּ֣ט אָהֵ֑ב אַתָּ֤ה כּוֹנַ֖נְתָּ מֵישָׁרִ֑ים מִשְׁפָּ֥ט וּצְדָקָ֖ה בְּיַעֲקֹ֣ב אַתָּ֣ה עָשִֽׂיתָ׃ רֽוֹמְמ֤וּ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵינ֑וּ וְהִשְׁתַּחֲוּּ לַהֲדֹ֖ם רַגְלָ֑יו קָדֹ֖שׁ הֽוּא׃

KJV: The king’s strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob. Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.

NKJV: The King’s strength also loves justice; You have established equity; You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. Exalt the Lord our God, And worship at His footstool; He is holy.

These verses highlight God’s love for justice and righteousness. As King, God doesn’t rule arbitrarily; His power is tempered by His commitment to fairness and equity. He establishes order and upholds what is right. The phrase “in Jacob” emphasizes God’s covenant relationship with His people, reminding them of His faithfulness and His commitment to their well-being. This leads to a renewed call to exalt the Lord and worship at His “footstool,” a reference to the Ark of the Covenant or the Temple itself. This act of worship is grounded in the recognition of God’s holiness. St. Basil the Great writes, “Δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ ἐστὶ τὸ πᾶσιν τὸ ἴσον ἀπονέμειν” (Dikaiosyne Theou esti to pasin to ison aponemein) – “The righteousness of God is to render to all what is equal” (Basil the Great, *Homilies*, Homily 8, Section 3).

Spiritual Application: Seek justice and righteousness in all your dealings. Stand up for the oppressed and marginalized. Remember that God loves justice and that He will ultimately bring all things into alignment with His perfect will. Worship God with humility and reverence, recognizing His holiness and His commitment to justice.

🕊️ Verses 6-8: Moses, Aaron, and Samuel 🕊️

Original Text (Hebrew): מֹשֶׁ֤ה וְאַהֲרֹ֨ן בְּכֹהֲנָ֗יו וּשְׁמוּאֵל֮ בְּקֹרְאֵ֪י שְׁמֹ֫ו קֹרִ֣אים אֶל־יְהוָ֣ה וְה֖וּא יַעֲנֵֽם׃ בְּעַמּ֣וּד עָנָ֣ן יְדַבֵּ֣ר אֲלֵיהֶ֑ם שָׁמְר֥וּ עֵדֹתָ֥יו וְחֹק נָֽתַן־לָֽמוֹ׃ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵינ֗וּ אַתָּ֤ה עֲנִיתָם֮ אֵ֤ל נֹשֵׂ֪א הָיִ֫יתָ֥ לָהֶ֗ם וְנֹקֵ֥ם עַל־עֲלִילוֹתָֽם׃

KJV: Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the Lord, and he answered them. He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them. Thou answeredst them, O Lord our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.

NKJV: Moses and Aaron among His priests, And Samuel among those who call on His name; They called upon the Lord, and He answered them. He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar; They kept His testimonies and the ordinance He gave them. You answered them, O Lord our God; You were a forgiving God to them, Though You took vengeance on their deeds.

This section recalls three key figures in Israel’s history: Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. These individuals represent different aspects of leadership: Moses as lawgiver, Aaron as priest, and Samuel as prophet. Despite their positions, they were still dependent on God and called upon Him in prayer. God answered them, speaking to them in the “cloudy pillar,” a symbol of His presence and guidance. They kept God’s “testimonies” and ordinances, demonstrating their obedience and faithfulness. The final verse highlights God’s dual nature: He is both a forgiving God and a God who takes “vengeance on their deeds.” This reflects the balance between God’s mercy and His justice. St. Gregory of Nyssa writes, “Μέγας γὰρ ὁ Θεὸς καὶ μέγα τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ” (Megas gar ho Theos kai mega to eleos autou) – “For God is great and great is His mercy” (Gregory of Nyssa, *Against Eunomius*, Book 1, Section 3).

Spiritual Application: Emulate the examples of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel by seeking God in prayer. Be obedient to His commandments and strive to live a life of faithfulness. Remember that God is both merciful and just, and that He will ultimately hold us accountable for our actions. Seek repentance and forgiveness when you fall short of His standards.

⛰️ Verse 9: Exalt the Lord Our God and Worship at His Holy Mountain ⛰️

Original Text (Hebrew): רֽוֹמְמ֤וּ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵינ֑וּ וְהִשְׁתַּחֲוּּ לְהַר־קָדְשׁוֹ כִּֽי־קָדֹ֖שׁ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃

KJV: Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy.

NKJV: Exalt the Lord our God, And worship at His holy mountain; For the Lord our God is holy.

The psalm concludes with a final call to exalt the Lord our God and worship at His “holy mountain,” a reference to Mount Zion in Jerusalem. This act of worship is grounded in the recognition of God’s holiness. The repetition of the phrase “For the Lord our God is holy” emphasizes the central theme of the psalm. The “holy mountain” is not merely a geographical location but a symbol of God’s presence and His accessibility to those who seek Him in faith. The Coptic Church interprets this “holy mountain” as a foreshadowing of the Church, the place where believers encounter God in a special way. St. John Chrysostom says, “Ἡ Ἐκκλησία ἐστὶ τὸ ὄρος τὸ ἅγιον” (He Ekklesia esti to oros to hagion) – “The Church is the holy mountain” (John Chrysostom, *Homilies on Matthew*, Homily 28, Section 3).

Spiritual Application: Exalt the Lord our God in all that you do. Worship Him with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness and His presence in your life. Seek to encounter Him in the Church, in prayer, and in the reading of Scripture. Remember that God is holy, and that He calls us to live a life of holiness as well.

💡 Key Reflections 💡

Here are some key reflections from Psalm 99 that we can apply to our daily lives:

• God’s Reign: Acknowledge God’s sovereign authority over all aspects of your life.
• Holiness: Cultivate a deep reverence for God’s name and character. Strive for personal holiness in your thoughts, words, and actions.
• Justice and Righteousness: Seek justice and righteousness in your interactions with others. Stand up for the oppressed and marginalized.
• Prayer: Emulate the examples of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel by seeking God in prayer.
• Forgiveness: Remember that God is both merciful and just. Seek repentance and forgiveness when you fall short of His standards.
• Worship: Exalt the Lord our God and worship Him with reverence and awe. Recognize His presence in your life and in the Church.

❓ FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Psalm 99:

• Q: What is the main theme of Psalm 99?
  A: The main theme of Psalm 99 is the holiness of God and the call to worship Him with reverence and awe. It emphasizes God’s kingship, His justice, and His forgiveness, all grounded in His transcendent holiness.
• Q: How does Psalm 99 relate to the Coptic Orthodox tradition?
  A: The Coptic Orthodox tradition views Psalm 99 as a timeless hymn that reflects the liturgical practices of the ancient Israelites. The psalm’s emphasis on God’s presence in the Temple resonates with the Coptic Church’s understanding of the Church as a place where believers encounter God in a special way through the sacraments and communal worship.
• Q: What does it mean to “worship at His footstool” in Psalm 99?
  A: The phrase “worship at His footstool” refers to the Ark of the Covenant or the Temple, where God’s presence was uniquely manifested. It represents an act of humble submission and adoration before God, recognizing His sovereignty and holiness.
• Q: How can I apply the teachings of Psalm 99 to my daily life?
  A: You can apply the teachings of Psalm 99 by recognizing God’s reign in your life, cultivating a deep reverence for His name, seeking justice and righteousness, praying regularly, remembering His mercy and justice, and worshiping Him with reverence and awe in the Church and in your daily interactions. Exalt the Lord our God in every aspect of your life.

🙏 Conclusion 🙏

Psalm 99 is a powerful reminder of God’s holiness and the appropriate response of worship and reverence. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we are called to exalt the Lord our God not only in our formal acts of worship but also in the daily living out of our faith. This means striving for personal holiness, seeking justice and righteousness in our interactions with others, and surrendering our lives to His sovereign reign. Let the words of this psalm resonate in our hearts and minds, inspiring us to draw closer to the Holy One of Israel and to live lives that are pleasing in His sight. By remembering His faithfulness, His justice, and His unwavering love, we can truly exalt the Lord our God and worship Him in spirit and in truth.

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Psalm 99, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Worship, Holiness, Justice, Righteousness, God’s Reign, Exalt the Lord, Holy Mountain

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Dive into a Coptic Orthodox commentary on Psalm 99: Exalt the Lord Our God. Discover its profound spiritual lessons and how to exalt the Lord our God in daily life.