Exalt the LORD our GodThis phrase calls for the elevation and glorification of God, emphasizing His supreme authority and majesty. The act of exalting God is a recurring theme throughout the Psalms, reflecting the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty. In biblical context, exalting God involves both verbal praise and a lifestyle that honors Him. This aligns with the first commandment, which calls for exclusive devotion to God (
Exodus 20:3). The use of "our God" indicates a personal relationship and covenantal bond between God and His people, reminiscent of the covenant established with Israel at Sinai (
Exodus 19:5-6).
and worship at His holy mountain
The "holy mountain" refers to Mount Zion, the location of the temple in Jerusalem, which was considered the dwelling place of God among His people. Worship at this site was central to Jewish religious life, as it was where sacrifices were offered and festivals celebrated. The mountain symbolizes God's presence and His chosen place for worship (Psalm 48:1-2). This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament understanding of worship, where Jesus speaks of worshiping "in spirit and truth" (John 4:23-24), indicating that true worship transcends physical locations.
for the LORD our God is holy
The holiness of God is a fundamental attribute, signifying His purity, separateness, and moral perfection. This holiness demands reverence and awe from His people. The declaration of God's holiness is a central theme in the Bible, seen in the seraphim's cry inIsaiah 6:3, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty." God's holiness is also a call for His people to be holy, as seen inLeviticus 19:2, "Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy." This phrase underscores the reason for worship and exaltation, as God's holiness is both a source of comfort and a standard for His followers.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The central figure in this verse, representing the God of Israel, who is to be exalted and worshiped.
2.
Holy MountainThis refers to Mount Zion, a significant place in Jewish worship and the location of the temple in Jerusalem, symbolizing God's presence among His people.
3.
WorshipThe act of reverence and adoration directed towards God, emphasizing the relationship between the worshiper and the divine.
Teaching Points
Exaltation of GodWe are called to lift up the name of the LORD, recognizing His supreme authority and majesty in our lives.
Worship in HolinessWorship is not just an act but a lifestyle that reflects God's holiness. Our lives should be a testament to His holy nature.
The Significance of PlaceWhile the physical location of worship was significant in the Old Testament, today, we are reminded that true worship is in spirit and truth, transcending physical boundaries.
God's Unchanging HolinessThe holiness of God is a constant theme throughout Scripture, reminding us of His purity and perfection. Our response should be one of reverence and awe.
Community WorshipThe call to worship at His holy mountain suggests a communal aspect of worship, encouraging believers to gather together in unity to honor God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 99:9?
2.How does Psalm 99:9 encourage us to exalt the Lord in daily life?
3.What does "holy is the LORD our God" teach about God's character?
4.How can we apply the call to worship at His holy mountain today?
5.How does Psalm 99:9 connect to the holiness theme in Leviticus 19:2?
6.In what ways can we demonstrate reverence for God's holiness in our actions?
7.What does Psalm 99:9 reveal about God's holiness and its significance for believers today?
8.How does Psalm 99:9 emphasize the importance of worship at God's holy mountain?
9.In what ways does Psalm 99:9 challenge our understanding of divine justice?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 99?
11.What is the Satisfaction Theory of the Atonement?
12.Does God condemn individuals to hell?
13.Is depicting divine figures in cartoons inappropriate?
14.In Isaiah 64:4, it is claimed that no other god has ever acted on behalf of those who wait for Him; how does this align with historical records of miracles in other religions?What Does Psalm 99:9 Mean
Exalt the LORD our God“Exalt the LORD our God” (Psalm 99:9) is a clear, joyful command.
• Exalting means lifting Him high in every arena of life—words, songs, choices, priorities (Psalm 34:3;Psalm 145:1–3).
• “LORD” (Yahweh) points to His covenant faithfulness, while “our God” reminds us of the privilege of belonging to Him (Psalm 95:7).
• Exaltation flows from recognizing His unrivaled rule: “For You, O LORD, are Most High over all the earth” (Psalm 97:9).
• True exaltation shows itself in obedience, not mere emotion (John 14:15;1 Samuel 15:22).
and worship at His holy mountain“and worship at His holy mountain” (Psalm 99:9) invites a posture of humble awe.
• In David’s day the “holy mountain” was Zion, where God chose to manifest His presence (Psalm 132:13–14).
• Worship involves bowing low—body, heart, and will: “Come, let us worship and bow down” (Psalm 95:6).
• Through Christ we now approach the true, heavenly Zion (Hebrews 12:22–24); worship is no longer confined to geography but happens “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:21–24).
• Practical expressions of worship include:
– Adoring praise (Psalm 100:1–4)
– Sincere thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
– Sacrificial service (Romans 12:1)
– Corporate gathering with fellow believers (Hebrews 10:24–25)
for the LORD our God is holy“for the LORD our God is holy” (Psalm 99:9) gives the reason behind the commands.
• Holiness is God’s absolute moral perfection and His complete “otherness” (Isaiah 6:3;Revelation 15:4).
• Because He is holy, His presence demands reverence (Exodus 3:5) and inspires trembling joy (Psalm 2:11).
• His holiness is not only to be admired but mirrored: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16;Leviticus 19:2).
• The gospel makes this possible—Christ’s righteousness credited to us (2 Corinthians 5:21) and the Spirit empowering growth in holiness (Galatians 5:16–25).
summaryPsalm 99:9 calls God’s people to raise Him high and bow low—exalting His name and worshiping at the place of His presence—because His blazing holiness compels and deserves nothing less. The verse weaves together privilege (“our God”), responsibility (exalt and worship), and the supreme motive (His holiness), guiding believers today into wholehearted, reverent, joyful devotion.
Verse 9. -
Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill. Repeated from ver. 5, with the slight variation that "his holy hill" is substituted for "his footstool" - Zion, on which the temple stood, for the sanctuary of the temple itself.
For the Lord our God is holy; rather,
for holy is the Lord our God (comp. vers. 3 and 5).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Exaltרֽוֹמְמ֡וּ(rō·wm·mū)Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 7311:To be high actively, to rise, raisethe LORDיְה֘וָ֤ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelour Godאֱלֹהֵ֗ינוּ(’ĕ·lō·hê·nū)Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeand worshipוְ֭הִֽשְׁתַּחֲווּ(wə·hiš·ta·ḥă·wū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 7812:To depress, prostrateat His holyקָדְשׁ֑וֹ(qā·ḏə·šōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6944:A sacred place, thing, sanctitymountain,לְהַ֣ר(lə·har)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022:Mountain, hill, hill countryforכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthe LORDיְהוָ֥ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelour Godאֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃(’ĕ·lō·hê·nū)Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeis holy.קָ֝ד֗וֹשׁ(qā·ḏō·wōš)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6918:Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
Links
Psalm 99:9 NIVPsalm 99:9 NLTPsalm 99:9 ESVPsalm 99:9 NASBPsalm 99:9 KJV
Psalm 99:9 BibleApps.comPsalm 99:9 Biblia ParalelaPsalm 99:9 Chinese BiblePsalm 99:9 French BiblePsalm 99:9 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Psalm 99:9 Exalt Yahweh our God (Psalm Ps Psa.)