What is the meaning of Psalm 99:5? Exalt the LORD our God • “Exalt” is an unmistakable call to lift God high in our hearts, mouths, and public witness (Psalm 34:3; Psalm 145:1–3). • The verse names Him “the LORD,” the covenant-keeping Yahweh who revealed Himself to Moses (Exodus 3:14) and who still rules today (Revelation 19:6). • He is “our God,” not a distant deity but the One who has personally bound Himself to His people—just as He promised Abraham (Genesis 17:7). • When we take this literally, we see no option but to speak and live in ways that showcase His supremacy above all governments, ideologies, and personal ambitions (1 Chronicles 29:11–13). and worship at His footstool • “Worship” turns exaltation inward: bowing low in humility (Psalm 95:6) because we know who He is and who we are. • Calling the meeting place “His footstool” reminds us of God’s glorious throne: “Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool” (Isaiah 66:1). Even the holiest ground on earth is only the place where His feet rest. • In Israel, the ark of the covenant was often called the LORD’s footstool (1 Chronicles 28:2). Today, we draw near through Christ, the greater Ark, who brings us into God’s very presence (Hebrews 10:19–22). • Practically, that means: – Gathering faithfully with other believers (Hebrews 10:25) – Bowing our wills in daily obedience (Romans 12:1–2) – Treasuring the Lord’s Supper and baptism as tangible reminders that we stand on holy ground (1 Corinthians 11:26) He is holy! • This exclamation is both declaration and reason: we exalt and worship because God is absolutely set apart—morally flawless, majestic, and blazing in purity (Isaiah 6:3; 1 John 1:5). • His holiness calls for our reverence (Leviticus 10:3) and also for our transformation: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15–16). • The literal statement “He is holy” anchors all genuine worship. Remove holiness, and worship collapses into entertainment or self-help; embrace holiness, and worship becomes life-altering encounter (Hebrews 12:28–29). summary Psalm 99:5 invites us into a threefold response: lift God high, bow low before Him, and remember His blazing holiness. Taken at face value, the verse insists that our public praise, private devotion, and daily obedience all revolve around the unrivaled, covenant-keeping Lord who is forever holy. |
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