Psalms
Chapter 99
This psalm declares that the LORD is king and calls the nations to tremble before him. It praises him as great in Zion, holy, and a ruler who loves justice and does what is right for Israel. It then remembers Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, who called on him and were answered, and who kept the laws he gave. Twice it calls people to lift him up in praise and bow before him, because he is holy.
Plain reading written for preteens. Clear and complete, at about a fifth grade reading level.
The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.
1The LORD is king. Let the nations shake with fear. He sits on his throne above the cherubim. Let the earth shake.
"Cherubim" are the winged figures on top of the ark, the gold chest that stood in Israel's most holy place. The picture is of God seated on a throne above them.
2The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people.
2The LORD is great in Zion. He is lifted high above all the peoples of the earth.
3Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.
3Let them praise your great and awesome name. His name is holy.
The KJV says "terrible." In 1611 that meant something that fills people with awe and fear, not something bad or awful.
4The king’s strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.
4The mighty King loves justice. You set up fair rules. You have done what is just and right for Jacob's people, Israel.
5Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.
5Lift up the LORD our God with praise. Bow down at his footstool, the place where he rests his feet. He is holy.
6Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.
6Moses and Aaron were among his priests. Samuel was among those who called on his name. They called to the LORD, and he answered them.
7He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.
7He spoke to them from the tall column of cloud. They kept his rules and the laws he gave them.
8Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.
8You answered them, O LORD our God. You were a God who forgave them. Yet you also punished the wrong things they did.
The KJV says "their inventions." That means the things they thought up and did wrong, not machines or new ideas.
9Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.
9Lift up the LORD our God with praise. Bow down at his holy mountain. The LORD our God is holy.
← → to turn the page · P for plain English · click a verse to sit with it