Psalm 99 is a Psalm of the Bible. It was written by David. Psalm 99 sometimes called “The Song of the Ascents” or “Shir Hama’alot”. Psalms 97-107 were all appended as sort of appendixes to Psalm 120 and Psalð (Psalm 119).
The first section of Psalm 99 starts with the Psalmist calling out to God, starting off “The Lord reigns” and then immediately states that God’s glory is greater than that of all creation.
This Psalm was written for chanting or reciting in public worship. Psalms 96-99 were composed after the Babylonian exile. They are Jewish hymns with a special significance of the restoration. Psalms 96-99 show God’s exaltation over all other gods and beings. Psalms 97-100 have been considered as a unit, Psalms of cosmic praise, celebrating God’s universal reign from his holy place above the cherubim. Psalm 98 acknowledges that it is God who gives Israel their victories. Psalm 99 states that God has commanded blessing upon people, the earth, the sea and springs. Psalm 100 is a Psalm of thanksgiving for deliverance.
The last section of Psalm 99 starts with “Sing to the Lord a new song”. The Psalmist’s instructions are given in four Psalms: Psalm 96, Psalm 98, Psalm 99 and Psalm 100.
The Psalmist is commanding the people to give thanks because God has become king by rescuing Israel. God will establish his kingdom as never before seen in creation.
The last part of Psalm 99 starts with “Let them praise his name in the dance”. Psalm 100 is the last Psalm in this section Psalms 96-100. Psalm 100 is to be sung by bringing sacrifices of joy because God’s people are giving thanks for his deliverance and calling on all nations to praise him. Psalms 97, Psalm 98, Psalm 99 give instructions to chant these Psalms as one Psalm to be sung. Psalms 96-99 express God’s universal sovereignty and Psalm 100 reflects his care for creation.
