Psalms 99:9

“Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy.”

Psalm 99:9 (KJV) says: This verse is the concluding verse of Psalm 99, which is part of the collection of psalms attributed to King David. The psalmist invites and exhorts the people to exalt and worship the Lord, emphasizing the holiness of God.

The term “exalt” means to lift up, elevate, or praise someone in a position of great honor and reverence. In this verse, the psalmist calls upon the people to exalt the Lord. It is a reminder for us to acknowledge and honor God for who He is, recognizing His sovereignty, greatness, and majesty.

The psalmist further urges the people to worship at God’s holy hill. In the Old Testament, the “holy hill” often refers to Mount Zion, the location of the temple in Jerusalem. It was a place where God’s presence dwelled among His people. Symbolically, it represents the sacredness and holiness associated with approaching God.

The psalm concludes by affirming the holiness of God. God’s holiness denotes His absolute moral purity, separateness from sin, and perfection. It encompasses His righteousness, justice, and infinite glory. As believers, we are called to acknowledge and revere God’s holiness, recognizing that He is set apart and worthy of our worship.

• Reverence and praise:Psalm 99:9 teaches us the importance of reverencing and praising God. We should approach Him with awe, humility, and adoration, acknowledging His greatness and sovereignty. Our worship should be characterized by a deep reverence for His holiness.
• Worship in the right place:While the physical location of God’s presence in the Old Testament was the holy hill in Jerusalem, in the New Testament, Jesus taught that true worship is not limited to a specific place but is in spirit and truth (John 4:21-24). We can worship God anywhere and at any time, recognizing His presence in our lives.
• Reflecting God’s holiness:As followers of God, we are called to reflect His holiness in our lives. The apostle Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 1:15-16, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” Our conduct, thoughts, and actions should align with God’s holiness as we seek to live a life that honors Him.