Exalt The Lord Our God Who Reigns Forever

Exalt the Lord our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy! Psalm 99:5

The Psalmist encouraged us to not only exalt the Lord but also to bow before Him. Why? Verse five points to His holiness, but the verses before that, state many other reasons. The King reigns!

The Lord is King! Let the nations tremble! He sits on his throne between the cherubim. Let the whole earth quake! Psalm 99:1

We see verse one opening with His thunderous authority. No earthly leader can make the nations tremble. They might intimidate a nation or two, but God makes the whole earth quake.

Creation does not treat His throne casually; mountains shake, seas roar, and nations bow before Him. The Lord sits in majesty in Jerusalem, exalted above all the nations.

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If the earth trembles before the Lord, how much more should we exalt Him? He calls the nations to worship Him. Our God who reigns in blazing holiness also draws us close as Father.

Let them praise your great and awesome name. Your name is holy! Psalm 99:3

The angels cover their faces in His presence. Isaiah cried, “Woe is me!” when he glimpsed God’s glory. Awe belongs at the center of our worship as we lift up His holy name.

Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established fairness. You have acted with justice and righteousness throughout Israel. Psalm 99:4

The Lord Reigns in Justice

Unlike earthly rulers who often govern with selfish motives, God delights in justice, and He loves righteousness. His decrees never lean toward corruption or favoritism.

When life feels unfair, this truth steadies us. God never makes a wrong judgment. His throne rests on justice, and every action He takes flows from perfect wisdom.

We may not always understand His timing, but we can trust His holiness. The Psalmist followed verse four with these words. Exalt the Lord our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!

Moses and Aaron were among his priests; Samuel also called on his name. They cried to the Lord for help, and he answered them. Psalm 99:6

The Psalm recalls the prayers of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. Each leader cried out, and God responded.

Moses interceded for Israel after they built the golden calf. God forgave them yet disciplined them for their rebellion.
Aaron, though guilty himself, still served as priest, offering sacrifices on behalf of the people.
Samuel prayed during battles, and God thundered against Israel’s enemies, bringing victory.

God answers His people, including us, with both mercy and discipline. Forgiveness, though, never removes accountability. Holiness ensures that both compassion and correction work together.

The Lord Calls Us to Exalt Him with Worship

Twice in Psalm 99, the Psalmist called us to “Exalt the Lord our God!” Exalt means to lift high, to magnify, to elevate above everything else. Exalting God requires lives that display His worth.

We exalt the Lord when we place His Word above our own preferences.
We exalt Him when we forgive as He forgives.
And we exalt Him when we humble ourselves instead of seeking applause.

The Psalmist also urges us to “Bow low before his feet.” Worship requires posture, not only on our knees, but also in our hearts. In God’s presence, we acknowledge that He alone rules, not us.

Holiness frames this Psalm. The word “holy” appears in three verses. God’s holiness elevates Him from every created thing. His holiness means His judgments are pure and flawless.

Holiness means “set apart.” God does not act like humans, think like humans, or govern like humans. His presence radiates with glory across the entire universe.

When we grasp His holiness, casual worship disappears. We tremble with reverence, obey with gladness, and exalt the Lord with joy. Holiness transforms how we live.

How do we live in light of Psalm 99 today?

Revere God in Worship — Pray with awe at His holiness, not just with requests. Recognize His Majesty before asking what He can give.
Pursue Justice in Daily Life — Since God loves justice, reflect that character. Stand for truth, treat others fairly, and resist favoritism.
Embrace Both Mercy and Discipline — When God forgives, accept His mercy with gratitude. When He disciplines, submit with humility, knowing it flows from His holiness.
Exalt the Lord Publicly and Privately — Lift Him high not only on Sunday mornings but every day in conversations, decisions, and priorities.
Bow Before His Authority — Make obedience a posture of your life. Do not argue with His commands; instead, embrace them.

Psalm 99 focuses us on the eternal throne. The Psalmist didn’t dwell on personal struggles first; he declared God’s holiness, justice, and mercy. The call rings clear: “Exalt the Lord our God!

Lord, we exalt you for all the wonderful things you do and who you are. We can’t wait until you call us home so we can experience firsthand your forever throne.

Check out these related posts on praising the Lord and exalt His name.