Psalms 99:3 – “Let them praise your great and awesome name—he is holy.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Psalm 99:3 is a call to worship, urging people to praise God’s “great and awesome name.” The word “name” in Scripture often signifies more than just a title; it represents God’s character, His authority, and His very being. To praise God’s name is to acknowledge His power, goodness, and holiness. The verse concludes with the simple yet profound statement: “He is holy.” This emphasizes that God is completely set apart, perfect, and pure in every way. His holiness distinguishes Him from everything else, making Him worthy of all honor and reverence.
Historical Context
This psalm was written in the context of ancient Israel, where God’s name was highly revered. For the Israelites, the name of God was so sacred that they often avoided speaking it aloud. The emphasis on God’s holiness would have been particularly meaningful for the Israelites, who understood that God was entirely different from the idols worshiped by surrounding nations. In those times, people were surrounded by false gods that demanded sacrifices and rituals, yet none of those so-called gods possessed the true holiness and righteousness of the Lord. The psalmist is reminding Israel—and all who hear this psalm—that only the Lord is holy and worthy of praise.
Theological Implications
The statement “He is holy” has deep theological implications. It reveals God’s nature as completely pure, set apart from sin, and absolutely righteous. Unlike human leaders who are often flawed, God’s holiness is untainted and unchanging. This truth is both comforting and convicting. It means that God is trustworthy—His decisions are always right, and His actions are always just. However, it also means that God cannot tolerate sin, which is why we need a Savior to reconcile us to Him. This holiness is what makes God worthy of worship and adoration; He is perfect in every way and is exalted above all creation.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 99 uses rich poetic language to emphasize the greatness of God. In verse 3, the phrase “great and awesome name” uses adjectives that build upon each other, conveying God’s power and majesty. The structure of the verse is straightforward but powerful, focusing on the command to praise God followed by the reason for that praise: His holiness. The literary flow of this psalm moves from declaring God’s sovereignty to celebrating His holiness. Repetition of words like “holy” throughout the psalm highlights God’s unique and unchanging nature.
Biblical Cross-References
The theme of praising God’s holy name is found throughout Scripture:
- Psalm 113:3: “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”
- Isaiah 6:3: The seraphim call out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.”
- Revelation 4:8: The creatures around God’s throne declare, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”
These passages reinforce the idea that God’s holiness is central to His identity and deserving of continuous praise.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 99:3 is a reminder to pause and acknowledge who God truly is. In our busy, often self-centered world, we can forget that God is holy and worthy of our deepest reverence. This verse challenges believers to shift their focus from worldly distractions to God’s greatness. It also encourages Christians to cultivate a life of worship, where we not only praise God with our lips but also honor Him with our actions. Recognizing God’s holiness should inspire us to live in a way that reflects His character—pursuing purity, justice, and love.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Although the verse emphasizes God’s holiness, it is deeply connected to His love. God’s holiness is not distant or unapproachable but invites us into a relationship with Him. Because He is holy, He is also trustworthy, faithful, and good. God’s holiness is the foundation of His love—He cannot act in any way that is not good or just. It’s because of His holiness that He provides for us, protects us, and calls us to be close to Him. This holiness is not something to fear but to embrace because it assures us that God is perfect in His love and care for us.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Psalm 99:3 finds its fullest expression in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus, as the Son of God, perfectly reveals the holiness of God while also embodying His love. In John 17:11, Jesus prays, “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name.” Through Jesus, we see God’s holiness in action—His teachings, miracles, and ultimately, His sacrifice on the cross. Jesus’ death and resurrection make it possible for us to come into the presence of a holy God, despite our sinfulness (Hebrews 10:19-22). Through Jesus, we are invited to know the God who is holy, yet also deeply loves us.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to you to praise God’s “great and awesome name” in your daily life?
- How can understanding God’s holiness change the way you approach Him in prayer and worship?
- In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge God’s authority and holiness?
- How does Jesus’ life reveal the holiness of God in a way that is approachable for us?
- What practical steps can you take to reflect God’s holiness in your relationships and actions?
Psalm 99:3 invites us to stand in awe of God’s holiness, to lift our hearts in praise, and to live lives that honor Him. By understanding and embracing God’s holiness, we draw closer to the One who is not only great and powerful but also loving and just.