Psalms Book 4 (Psalms 90-106)Sample

Holy awe

In due course, we shall study the Lord who comes as Saviour, King, and Judge in Psalm 98—the apex of the chiastic structure—but before we do, we must look carefully at the three responses given to us in the following Psalms.

The only proper first response to the Lord’s judgements, (his decisions and interventions), is holy awe and wonder.

Psalm 99 expresses this perfectly.

There is no possible need for appeal – as if the Lord has made some mistake or has not properly considered all the evidence. His decisions, judgements, and interventions are perfect in every possible way. They could not be improved on.

Psalm 99 has four parts, three of which end with a statement about the Lord’s perfect holiness: 3, 5, and 9.

In addition, Moses, the lawgiver, Aaron the high priest, and Samuel the pioneering prophet are all cited as examples of those who were quick to obey all the Lord commanded.

The whole psalm has a tone of wonder and holy awe.

In response to humanity’s endless disobedience in Psalms 90 and 106, the titanic arrogance of evil in Psalm 93, and the jubilant sinfulness of the wicked in Psalm 94, Psalm 99 speaks of the Lord’s silent holiness.

We are left ‘in wonder, love and praise’. There is nothing more to be said. His interventions, (judgements), are absolutely perfect.

‘Your statutes, Lord, stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days’ 93:5

‘Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy’ 97:9

‘Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name’ 103:1