How does Psalm 99:6 connect with Hebrews 4:14-16 about approaching God? Ancient Priests Who Called and Were Answered “Moses and Aaron were among His priests, Samuel was among those who called on His name. They called to the LORD, and He answered them.” • God appointed human mediators—Moses, Aaron, Samuel—to stand between Himself and the people (Exodus 28:1; 1 Samuel 7:9). • Their ministry shows that the holy, enthroned LORD (Psalm 99:1–5) is willing to hear when an accepted priest intercedes. • The verse highlights two essentials for access: – a divinely authorized priesthood – confident calling on God based on that priesthood • The historical record confirms literal answers to prayer (Numbers 12:13; 1 Samuel 7:10), proving that God truly responds. Jesus, Our Great High Priest “Therefore, since we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” • Jesus is not merely among priests; He is the singular, supreme High Priest (Hebrews 7:26-28). • His sinlessness and heavenly exaltation guarantee uninterrupted access. • Because He sympathizes, believers may approach “with confidence,” expecting mercy and timely help. Lines of Connection • Both passages center on priestly mediation—Psalm 99:6 looks back to faithful human priests; Hebrews 4:14-16 looks up to the perfect divine-human Priest. • Psalm 99 shows God answering through appointed servants; Hebrews 4 invites direct approach because the ultimate Servant now stands eternally before the Father (Hebrews 9:24). • The call-and-answer pattern in Psalm 99 finds its climax in Hebrews 4: – Old covenant: “They called … He answered.” – New covenant: “Let us then approach … that we may receive.” • The throne imagery links the texts (Psalm 99:1; Hebrews 4:16). The same holy throne that once required distant reverence now, through Christ, welcomes confident nearness. • Psalm 99:8 balances forgiveness and discipline; Hebrews 4:16 promises mercy and grace—both uphold God’s holiness while providing relief for sinners (Romans 3:26). Living the Connection Today • Hold fast to faith in Jesus’ finished work; nothing else secures access (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5). • Approach daily—prayer is not tentative begging but confident coming to a gracious throne. • Bring every weakness, temptation, and need; your High Priest understands and intercedes (Romans 8:34). • Expect real answers, just as Moses, Aaron, and Samuel experienced; God has not changed (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17). • Worship with reverent joy—His holiness remains, yet His grace abounds (Hebrews 12:28). |
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