Psalms 99:5 – “Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Psalm 99:5 is a call to exalt and worship God, recognizing His holiness. The word “exalt” means to lift up or honor, acknowledging God’s supreme authority and glory. The verse also encourages worship “at his footstool.” In biblical language, God’s footstool is a symbolic reference to the earth or, more specifically, the temple in Jerusalem where God’s presence was uniquely felt. This imagery reflects the idea that while God is exalted above all, He is also close enough to be worshiped. The psalm ends with a reminder of God’s holiness, emphasizing that He is pure, set apart, and worthy of our reverence.
Historical Context
The concept of God’s “footstool” would have been deeply meaningful to the Israelites. In the ancient world, kings would use footstools as symbols of dominion, often placing their feet on the necks of conquered enemies. But here, God’s footstool is a place of worship, not conquest. For the Israelites, the temple in Jerusalem was seen as the earthly dwelling place of God’s presence. When the psalmist calls the people to worship at God’s footstool, it’s a call to draw near to God with humility and reverence. In a time when the people were surrounded by pagan nations with idols and false gods, this verse was a reminder that the Lord alone is worthy of worship.
Theological Implications
The verse highlights two key theological truths: the transcendence and immanence of God. On one hand, God is exalted far above all creation—He is sovereign, holy, and powerful. On the other hand, He is also accessible; we can come close to Him and worship at His footstool. This balance between God’s greatness and His nearness is a powerful reminder that, while He is infinitely above us, He also desires a relationship with us. The holiness of God mentioned in the verse underscores that He is set apart from sin and completely pure. To worship a holy God is to acknowledge His perfection and commit to honoring Him in all areas of our lives.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 99 uses poetic language that draws the reader into a posture of worship. The command to “exalt the Lord” followed by “worship at his footstool” uses parallelism to reinforce the idea of giving God the reverence He deserves. The imagery of God’s footstool is both humbling and comforting—it reminds us of God’s greatness, yet also His willingness to draw near to His people. The repetition of the phrase “He is holy” throughout the psalm serves as a refrain, emphasizing God’s unique nature. The structure builds upon the themes of God’s kingship, justice, and holiness, culminating in a call to worship.
Biblical Cross-References
The theme of exalting and worshiping God is echoed throughout Scripture:
- Isaiah 66:1: “This is what the Lord says: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.’”
- 1 Chronicles 16:29: “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering and come before Him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.”
- Matthew 5:35: Jesus refers to the earth as God’s footstool, highlighting God’s sovereignty over all creation.
- Hebrews 12:28-29: “Let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’”
These passages underline the importance of approaching God with deep reverence while recognizing His supreme authority.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 99:5 is a call to make worship a central part of our lives. In a culture that often prioritizes self-promotion and individualism, this verse invites us to shift our focus to God. To exalt God is to place Him in the highest position in our hearts, acknowledging that He alone deserves our devotion. Worshiping at His footstool suggests coming before God with humility, recognizing His greatness while also experiencing His nearness. This verse challenges believers to live in a way that reflects God’s holiness, not just in church on Sundays but in every aspect of life.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Although the focus of this verse is on God’s holiness and exaltation, it also reflects His love. God’s invitation to worship at His footstool shows that He desires us to draw close to Him. He doesn’t keep His distance but allows us to approach Him in worship. His holiness is not something that drives us away but rather something that invites us into a deeper relationship with Him. God’s love is seen in the fact that He makes Himself accessible to His people, allowing them to experience His presence, even while acknowledging His absolute purity and perfection.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Psalm 99:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus is the one who makes it possible for us to worship God freely and intimately. Before Jesus’ sacrifice, the temple was the central place where people could come near to God. But through His death, the veil in the temple was torn, symbolizing that all who believe in Jesus can now enter God’s presence without barriers (Matthew 27:51). Jesus Himself said in John 4:23, “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth.” Through Christ, we are invited to worship God, not just at a physical location, but with our whole hearts.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to you personally to “exalt the Lord” in your daily life?
- How can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence for God in your times of worship?
- In what ways can you honor God’s holiness in your actions, words, and decisions?
- How does Jesus’ sacrifice change the way we approach worship?
- How can you live out the call to worship God, not just on Sundays, but every day of the week?
Psalm 99:5 is a powerful reminder that God is both majestic and near, holy and loving. It challenges us to respond with hearts full of worship, recognizing that the God who rules over all also invites us into His presence.