What does "holy is He" reveal about God's character in Psalm 99:3? Psalm 99:3—The Phrase in Focus “Let them praise Your great and awesome name—He is holy.” The Rich Meaning of “Holy” (Hebrew qādôsh) • Set apart—utterly distinct from all creation • Morally flawless—incapable of sin or wrongdoing • Majestic—radiating glory that inspires reverent awe • Wholly consistent—His character never wavers or contradicts itself What “holy is He” Reveals about God’s Character • Uniqueness: No one rivals or equals Him (Exodus 15:11; 1 Samuel 2:2). • Moral Perfection: Every action springs from pure righteousness (Psalm 92:15). • Transcendence: He exists above all earthly limitations (Isaiah 55:8-9). • Self-Definition: Holiness isn’t merely an attribute God possesses; it is who He is (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). • Justice and Equity: Holiness demands that He judge sin impartially (Psalm 99:4; Habakkuk 1:13). • Steadfast Covenant Love: Because His holiness cannot lie, His promises stand firm (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). • Unapproachable Glory Made Accessible: Though infinitely pure, He graciously invites people to approach through the means He provides (Isaiah 57:15; Hebrews 10:19-22). Echoes Across Scripture • Isaiah 6:3—“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” • Leviticus 11:44—“Be holy, because I am holy.” • Revelation 15:4—“You alone are holy.” • 1 Peter 1:15-16—God’s holiness becomes the pattern for believers’ conduct. • Psalm 145:17—“The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds.” Practical Implications for Believers • Worship with Awe: God’s distinctiveness calls for wholehearted praise, free of casual familiarity. • Pursue Personal Purity: Because He is holy, we seek holiness in daily living (2 Corinthians 7:1). • Trust His Decisions: A holy God never errs; His judgments are always right, even when mysterious. • Find Security in His Promises: Holiness guarantees He cannot deceive or fail. • Show Reverent Fear: Healthy respect guards against treating sacred things lightly (Hebrews 12:28-29). “Holy is He” crystallizes the essence of the Lord’s character—set apart, morally perfect, and gloriously majestic—inviting all creation to respond in reverent praise and transformed living. |
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