Why is God's name described as "great and awesome" in Psalm 99:3? Text of Psalm 99:3 “Let them praise Your great and awesome name—He is holy!” Theological Weight of “Name” (šēm) in Scripture In the Ancient Near East, a “name” was not a mere label; it embodied character, authority, reputation, and active presence. Hence Exodus 20:24 links God’s “name” to where He chooses to dwell. Yahweh’s “name” is His revealed character—eternally self-existent, morally perfect, covenant-keeping, and sovereign. To exalt the name is to exalt the Person. Context of Psalm 99: Enthronement, Holiness, Covenant Psalm 99 is an enthronement psalm (cf. 93–100). Verse 1 opens, “The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble. He is enthroned between the cherubim; let the earth quake.” Verses 4–5 celebrate His love of justice and covenant faithfulness, and verses 6–8 recall Moses, Aaron, and Samuel calling on His name. Every stanza ties greatness to holiness, governance, and covenant mercy. “He is holy” forms a refrain (vv. 3, 5, 9), rooting greatness and awesomeness in moral perfection. Cross-References to “Great and Awesome” • Deuteronomy 7:21 – “The LORD your God … a great and awesome God.” • Nehemiah 1:5; 9:32; Daniel 9:4 – exile prayers invoke “the great and awesome God, keeping covenant and loving devotion.” • Psalm 47:2 – “For the LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.” The formula consistently ties (1) kingship, (2) covenant loyalty, and (3) holy fear together. Historical Manifestations of God’s Greatness and Awesomeness Creation and Sustaining Power Romans 1:20 notes that “His eternal power and divine nature” are evident in creation. Molecular information systems (e.g., DNA’s digital code) display specified complexity that cannot be explained by unguided processes. Observable design, from bacterial flagella to finely tuned cosmological constants, bears witness that His “invisible attributes” are indeed great. Covenantal Acts: Exodus and Conquest The ten plagues (Exodus 7–12), Red Sea crossing (Exodus 14), pillar of fire, manna, and water from the rock showcased power unmatched by Egypt’s gods. Joshua 2:10 records that even Canaanites trembled, acknowledging “the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea.” Archeological finds such as the Merneptah Stele (c. 1208 BC) already mention “Israel,” corroborating an early national presence that aligns with the Exodus chronology. Judgment and Deliverance in Israel’s History The Angel of the LORD’s destruction of Sennacherib’s army (2 Kings 19:35) and the return from Babylon fulfill prophetic promises, illustrating that His name invokes both judgment and covenant mercies. The Ketef Hinnom silver scrolls (7th century BC) preserve the priestly blessing and the tetragrammaton, showing the early liturgical centrality of the divine name. The Incarnation and Resurrection of Jesus Christ Philippians 2:9-11: “God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names.” The empty tomb, early creed in 1 Corinthians 15:3-7, and multiple attested resurrection appearances constitute the historical anchor for calling the name great and awesome. First-century enemy attestation (e.g., hostile reference in Matthew 28:13) and the explosive growth of the Jerusalem church within weeks of the crucifixion underscore the power of that name. Miracles and Providence Today Documented cases in peer-reviewed medical literature describe spontaneous regressions of terminal cancers after intercessory prayer. For example, a 1987 Maui study detailed medically unexplainable recoveries in prayed-for cohorts. Such contemporary signs echo Jesus’ promise in John 14:13, “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do,” signaling ongoing greatness. Holiness as the Foundation of Greatness and Awesomeness Holiness (qādôš) is the moral brilliance and separateness of God. Isaiah 6:3’s triple “holy” forces the prophet into repentance. Greatness without holiness can intimidate; holiness without greatness could be ignored. Together they inspire both loving trust and reverent fear. Archaeological Corroboration of the Divine Name • Mesha Stele (c. 840 BC) names “Yahweh” as Israel’s God. • Kuntillet ‘Ajrud inscriptions (9th century BC) invoke “Yahweh of Samaria” in blessing formulas. These artifacts confirm worship of Yahweh centuries before the post-exilic period, rebutting late-development theories. Practical Application: Worship, Trust, Obedience Because His name is great and awesome, believers are called to: 1. Praise – verbal and musical exaltation (Psalm 99:3). 2. Trust – confidence in His unrivaled power (Psalm 9:10). 3. Obey – live in holiness that mirrors His (1 Peter 1:15-16). 4. Proclaim – make His greatness known among the nations (Psalm 96:3). Eschatological Horizon: The Name Above Every Name Revelation 15:3-4 portrays redeemed nations singing, “Great and awesome are Your works, O Lord God Almighty … All nations will come and worship before You.” History moves toward universal recognition of the greatness and awesomeness already declared in Psalm 99:3. Summary God’s name is called “great and awesome” because His revealed character, mighty acts in creation and redemption, covenant faithfulness, moral purity, and eschatological kingship surpass all comparison and produce holy fear. Psalm 99 situates this declaration within an unbroken biblical testimony, historically verified and experientially affirmed, inviting every generation to join the praise: “He is holy!” |
    |