May 22

Psalm 95, 97-99 (biblegateway.com)

The Lord Reigns: A Call to Worship the King

Psalms 95 and 97–99 form a rich tapestry of praise that celebrates God’s supreme reign, righteous rule, and majestic presence. These psalms are a call to joyful, reverent worship—a summons for all creation to recognize the Lord as King over all the earth. In them, we encounter a God who is both transcendent in glory and near in justice, holiness, and mercy. Whether calling people to bow before the Lord with thanksgiving (Psalm 95) or proclaiming His supremacy over idols and nations (Psalms 97–99), these psalms stir the soul to worship with awe and joy. They remind us that worship is not just a Sunday ritual but a daily response to the character and authority of God.

Psalm 95 – A Call to Worship and Warning Against Hardened Hearts

Psalm 95 is a powerful call to worship that moves from exuberant praise to solemn warning. Likely used in temple worship and possibly during major festivals, it forms part of a larger group of psalms (Psalms 93–99) celebrating the kingship of the Lord. Its tone shifts dramatically from joyful celebration in the first half to urgent exhortation in the second, echoing the rhythms of Israel’s own history—from the highs of God’s deliverance to the lows of rebellion in the wilderness.

The psalm opens in verses 1–5 with an invitation to joyful praise: “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” God is exalted as the great King above all gods, the one who holds the depths of the earth and the heights of the mountains. His creative power over sea and land reminds Israel—and us—that all creation belongs to Him. These verses portray worship not as a dull obligation but as a vibrant celebration rooted in who God is and what He has done.

Verses 6–7a continue the invitation, but with a more intimate focus: “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker.” The mood shifts from shouting to bowing, from public exclamation to personal reverence. God is not only the Creator but also “our God,” and “we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.” Worship involves both joy and humility—delighting in God’s majesty and submitting to His care.

Then the psalm takes a sobering turn in verses 7b–11. The tone becomes urgent: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” The psalmist returns to Israel’s wilderness journey, when the people tested God at Meribah and Massah (see Exodus 17 and Numbers 20). Though God had delivered them, provided for them, and revealed His presence, they still doubted and rebelled. Their disobedience led to forty years of wandering and God’s solemn declaration: “They shall not enter my rest.”

Psalm 95 thus connects worship with obedience. The call to praise must be followed by a heart that listens and responds. Joyful singing must be matched with soft, receptive hearts. Worship is not just noise—it is surrender.

Theological Truths:

• God is both Creator and Shepherd, majestic and tender, sovereign and near.

• Worship involves both exuberant praise and reverent submission—it is an all-of-life response to God’s greatness and grace.

• Hearing God’s voice requires a soft heart, and failure to obey leads to spiritual wandering and restlessness.

• God offers “rest” to His people, which ultimately points to the peace found in Christ (see Hebrews 4:1-11).

  
  

This psalm challenges us to evaluate both our worship and our hearts. Do you come before God with joyful singing, recognizing His greatness and goodness? Do you also bow before Him, acknowledging His authority over your life? And when He speaks through His Word or Spirit, do you listen—or resist? Psalm 95 reminds us that true worship involves both expression and submission.

Guard against spiritual complacency or familiarity that dulls your hearing. Ask God today to soften your heart so that you don’t repeat the wilderness pattern of rebellion. Read Hebrews 3–4 alongside this psalm and reflect on the “rest” Christ offers. Make it a practice this week not only to praise God with your mouth but to listen for His voice and obey it.

Psalm 97 – The Lord Reigns in Majesty and Justice

Psalm 97 proclaims the universal kingship of the Lord with awe and splendor. It is part of the “enthronement psalms” (Psalms 93–99), which celebrate God’s sovereign rule over the earth and invite all nations to acknowledge His authority. Likely used in worship settings tied to temple festivals or the celebration of God’s kingship (possibly at the Feast of Tabernacles), the psalm is both poetic and prophetic—it exalts Yahweh as the rightful ruler and warns against idolatry. Its imagery is vivid, its tone triumphant, and its scope global.

The psalm opens with the thunderous declaration: “The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice” (v. 1). This is not merely a call to Israel but to all peoples and even all of creation. God’s rule is not a distant, passive reign—it is active, just, and glorious. Verses 2–6 describe His reign with overwhelming imagery: clouds and thick darkness surround Him, righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne, and fire goes before Him, consuming His foes. These verses echo the theophany at Sinai (Exodus 19), where God’s presence descended in smoke, fire, and trembling. Here, God is depicted not only as sovereign but as a consuming fire against wickedness (see ANE connection below).

The effect of God’s presence is cosmic: “The mountains melt like wax before the Lord” (v. 5), and “the heavens proclaim His righteousness” (v. 6). All creation testifies to His power and justice. This reinforces a recurring biblical theme—God’s reign is not just political or spiritual but cosmic in scale. In a world of shifting powers and unjust systems, the psalm assures us that God’s justice will ultimately prevail.

In verses 7–9, the focus shifts to a warning against idolatry: “All worshipers of images are put to shame.” God alone must be exalted, for He is “Most High over all the earth.” Zion rejoices not only in God’s greatness but in the assurance that false gods and rival powers will be humbled. These verses likely reference surrounding nations that worshiped idols, but they also call Israel to purity of worship. Even God’s heavenly messengers (“angels” or “gods”) are commanded to worship Him.

The final section, verses 10–12, gives an exhortation to the faithful: “O you who love the Lord, hate evil!” This is the natural response to God’s holiness—those who belong to Him must reject what is evil. The Lord preserves the lives of His saints and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light and joy are sown for the righteous, and gladness is their inheritance. The psalm closes by calling the righteous to rejoice and give thanks to His holy name.

Theological Truths:

• God reigns as sovereign King over all the earth, and His rule is righteous, just, and unmatched.

• God’s presence is overwhelming, purifying the earth and consuming wickedness—His holiness is not tame or passive.

• Idolatry is incompatible with true worship; God alone deserves allegiance and reverence.

• Those who belong to God must reflect His holiness by hating evil and walking in righteousness.

• Joy and deliverance are promised to the faithful, even in a world still plagued by evil.

  
  

Psalm 97 challenges believers to live under God’s kingship with reverence and trust. In a culture that exalts personal autonomy, this psalm re-centers our hearts on the God who rules with justice and truth. Do you rejoice in His rule? Do you actively hate what is evil, not just in the world, but in your own heart? The psalm calls us to joyful submission and moral clarity. It also gives comfort: the Lord preserves His people, and their joy is secure in Him.

This week, reflect on the areas in your life where you may be compromising with “idols”—whether they are pride, comfort, status, or approval. Ask God to ignite in you a holy hatred for evil and a deep love for His righteousness. Rejoice that God reigns over the chaos of the world and commit to living as a citizen of His unshakable kingdom. Meditate on Revelation 11:15 and Philippians 2:9-11, which echo the hope and victory of Psalm 97.

Psalm 98 – Sing a New Song for the Lord’s Marvelous Salvation

Psalm 98 bursts with joy and praise, celebrating God’s saving power and just rule over all the earth. It closely parallels Psalm 96 and shares many themes with the enthronement psalms (Psalms 93–99), but it is unique in its emphasis on a new song in response to new displays of divine salvation. The psalm may have been composed in a time of national deliverance, perhaps after a military victory or a return from exile, though it intentionally points beyond any single historical moment to the future reign of God over all creation.

The opening call, “Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things” (v. 1), invites worshipers to respond to God’s saving acts with fresh and wholehearted praise. The term “new song” doesn’t mean simply a different melody—it signifies a renewed awareness of God’s grace and power, as seen in His recent acts of redemption. The “right hand” and “holy arm” symbolize His strength and holiness in delivering His people. God’s salvation is not a private experience but a public revelation: “The Lord has made His salvation known and revealed His righteousness to the nations” (v. 2). This reflects a missional tone—God saves His people not just for their sake, but as a witness to the nations.

Verses 3–6 invite all the earth to join in this celebration. Israel remembers God’s covenant love and faithfulness (v. 3), and in response, “all the ends of the earth” are called to see and rejoice in God’s salvation. The psalm quickly moves from private praise to public rejoicing: “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth” (v. 4). Worship is not passive or reserved—it is exuberant and all-encompassing. Instruments are mentioned (harp, trumpet, and horn), underscoring the full-hearted, festive nature of worship. Music becomes a means of joining with heaven and earth in exalting the King.

In a striking shift, verses 7–9 invite creation itself to join the celebration: the sea, the rivers, and the mountains. These natural elements are personified as rejoicing, clapping their hands, and singing together. This recalls the imagery of Isaiah 55:12, where creation rejoices in response to God’s redemptive work. The reason for this universal joy is God’s coming judgment: “He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity” (v. 9). Far from being a fearful judgment, it is welcomed as just and fair—a final setting-right of all things. The anticipation of God’s just rule is a cause for joy because it brings hope to a broken world.

Theological Truths:

• God reveals His salvation not only to Israel but to all nations, fulfilling His covenant and drawing global attention to His righteousness.

• God is both Savior and Judge—His justice is not a threat to the faithful but a source of rejoicing and hope.

• Worship should be a full-bodied response to God’s works, involving music, voice, and even creation itself in celebration.

• Creation anticipates redemption, longing for the day when God’s rule fully restores all things (Romans 8:19-22).

• God’s reign is universal, and His righteous judgment ensures that injustice will not have the final word.

Psalm 98 calls us to worship with a fresh perspective and passionate praise. When was the last time you sang a “new song” to the Lord, not necessarily with new lyrics, but with renewed joy and gratitude for what He has done? As believers, we are witnesses to His ongoing work of salvation in Christ. Do we celebrate that publicly and joyfully? The psalm also reminds us to broaden our vision. God’s plan involves the whole world and even all creation. Our worship should reflect that global and cosmic hope.

Let Psalm 98 challenge you to cultivate a deeper joy in God’s saving work, both past and present. Consider making time this week to reflect on the “marvelous things” the Lord has done in your life and in history, especially through Christ. Write out or speak aloud your own “new song” of thanksgiving. Also, let this psalm remind you that worship is not about personal style or preference, but about God’s glory. Enter worship with the kind of reverence and joy described here, and look ahead with hope to the day when all creation joins the song.

Psalm 99 – The Lord Reigns in Holiness

Psalm 99 is a majestic declaration of God’s sovereign reign and perfect holiness, rounding out the collection of enthronement psalms (Psalms 93–99). This psalm, like the others in the set, proclaims that “The Lord reigns” (v. 1), but here the emphasis falls most powerfully on God’s holiness. Repeated three times (v. 3, 5, 9), the affirmation “He is holy” builds to a crescendo, inviting awe-filled worship from all the earth. Historically, this psalm may have been sung during temple festivals or royal processions, reinforcing God’s supremacy over all earthly powers and calling the people to reverence and repentance.

The psalm opens with a vision of God enthroned above the cherubim (v. 1), imagery drawn from the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence dwelt in the temple. This evokes the scene of divine majesty in Isaiah 6 and Ezekiel 1. The earth quakes at His presence, as both the nations and the physical world respond with fear and trembling. God is not a tribal deity but “great in Zion” and “exalted over all the nations” (v. 2), establishing His universal rule.

Verse 3 commands the people to praise God’s awesome name, because “it is holy.” Holiness here is not merely moral purity but God’s utter otherness, His majesty and power that set Him apart from all creation. Verses 4–5 highlight His love for justice and righteousness, particularly in Jacob, a poetic name for Israel. Though God reigns over all, He is also intimately involved with His covenant people, executing justice and righteousness in their midst. The psalm then repeats its earlier refrain: “Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool; He is holy!” (v. 5)—a call to worship that anchors reverence in a recognition of His holiness.

Verses 6–8 offer historical reflection, recalling Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, who called on the Lord and were answered. These leaders were mediators between God and His people, servants who stood in the gap in times of crisis and intercession. The psalm reminds us that though God forgave them, He also “avenged their wrongdoings” (v. 8). This balance of mercy and justice reflects God’s consistent character throughout redemptive history. The final verse (v. 9) again commands worship, directing hearts to the “holy hill” of Zion—where the temple stood—and reaffirming that the Lord our God is holy.

Theological Truths:

• God’s holiness is central to His character and should define our approach to Him in worship and life.

• The Lord reigns now, not just in the future; His rule is present, active, and just.

• God is both transcendent and near—enthroned above the cherubim, yet present in Zion and accessible through prayer.

• God answers His people, including their leaders, with both mercy and discipline, demonstrating grace and justice side by side.

• True worship acknowledges God’s holiness, exalts His name, and bows in humility.

  
  

Psalm 99 calls us to a deeper reverence in worship. While modern spirituality often emphasizes God’s love and closeness (rightly so), this psalm reminds us that God is holy, and we must not approach Him casually. Do you come before the Lord with awe, acknowledging His majesty and justice? We are invited to worship not only with joy but with trembling. We are also reminded of the importance of intercessory prayer—like Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, we are called to stand in the gap for others and to live as those whom God hears.

Let this psalm challenge you to embrace a fuller picture of God’s holiness and justice. Reflect on how you approach God—in prayer, in worship, in everyday choices. Are there areas in your life where reverence is lacking? As you meditate on Psalm 99, allow the repeated refrain—“He is holy”—to shape your vision of who God is and how you respond to Him. Consider setting aside time this week to pray in silence before God, acknowledging His holiness, repenting where needed, and exalting His name with awe and gratitude.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on these enthronement psalms, our hearts are lifted to acknowledge the greatness of God and our place before Him as His worshippers. The recurring refrain “The Lord reigns” anchors us in truth when the world feels unstable. His justice comforts the afflicted, His holiness humbles the proud, and His mercy draws us near. These psalms challenge us not only to sing but to submit—to worship not merely with lips, but with lives surrendered to the sovereign King. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving, tremble before Him with reverence, and proclaim His reign with joy, for the Lord is great and greatly to be praised.

Footnotes:

97:2. surrounded by clouds. The imagery of God enveloped in clouds and sweeping through the heavens in a storm chariot is common in Scripture (e.g., Ps 68:4; 104:3; Jer 4:13). This form of storm theophany—where God reveals Himself through storm imagery—parallels descriptions of the Ugaritic god Baal, who is frequently called the “rider of the clouds” in ancient texts like the Aqhat Epic and the Baal and Anat Cycle. Baal’s role as storm god, his control over lightning, and his identity as a divine warrior even appear in the Egyptian El Amarna letters. In a similar fashion, Yahweh is described as Creator, source of fertility, and victorious warrior. These attributes overlap with those of other ancient Near Eastern deities. Yet, the biblical writers use this shared imagery to make a powerful theological point: Yahweh alone possesses all divine authority. By assuming the titles and powers once attributed to rival gods, Yahweh is presented as the one true and sovereign God over all.

- Victor Harold Matthews, Mark W. Chavalas, and John H. Walton, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament, electronic ed. (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000), Ps 97:2.