Psalms 99:1-9 (NLT)
1 The LORD is king! Let the nations tremble! He sits on his throne between the cherubim. Let the whole earth quake!
2 The LORD sits in majesty in Jerusalem, exalted above all the nations.
3 Let them praise your great and awesome name. Your name is holy!
4 Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established fairness. You have acted with justice and righteousness throughout Israel.
5 Exalt the LORD our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests; Samuel also called on his name. They cried to the LORD for help, and he answered them.
7 He spoke to Israel from the pillar of cloud, and they followed the laws and decrees he gave them.
8 O LORD our God, you answered them. You were a forgiving God to them, but you punished them when they went wrong.
9 Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy mountain in Jerusalem, for the LORD our God is holy!
To acknowledge the Lord begins with recognizing the qualities that set Him infinitely above anything we know. Even as our awareness of Him grows, there remains an endless depth to discover about how greatly He surpasses all others.
This song speaks to the congregation about His greatness. Although it isn’t addressed to God directly, speaking of Him in the third person offers a different kind of honor. Just as people elevate someone they admire by talking about their virtues among each other, discussing the Lord’s works and character magnifies Him. In fact, this kind of shared exaltation can lift Him up in ways that go beyond what direct address alone can express.
If our recognition of His greatness is confined only to conversations directed toward Him, the expression of honor remains limited. But when He becomes the topic among the people—when His attributes are celebrated within the congregation—His presence and works gain greater weight in our hearts and our community. His holiness and goodness can never be overstated, and the more we grow in this awareness, the more naturally He becomes part of our regular conversations.