Bible Strands
Psalms 99:1
The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake!
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — A communal declaration of Yahweh's kingship, likely in a temple context, addressed to the nations and the earth. The speaker asserts God's rule as a settled fact before issuing the commands.
The words — מָ֭לָךְ (malakh, "he reigns") is a perfect form: a completed declaration, not a wish. יֹשֵׁ֥ב (yoshev, "sitting") is a participle, depicting an ongoing, present state of enthronement above the cherubim.
The thread — Psalms 97:1 pairs the same declaration ("The LORD reigns") with a different response ("let the earth rejoice"), while this verse demands trembling. Exodus 25:22 locates the cherubim above the mercy seat, the meeting place between God and Israel.
Why it lands — The verse does not offer comfort; it commands a bodily response (tremble, quake) proportionate to the reality of a God who reigns and sits enthroned. The reader is placed on the side of the nations and the earth, not the throne.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.
Cross-references
- Exodus 25:22 And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.
- Psalms 97:1 The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the distant shores be glad.
- Psalms 80:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” A Psalm of Asaph. Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth
- Psalms 93:1 The LORD reigns! He is robed in majesty; the LORD has clothed and armed Himself with strength. The world indeed is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
- Psalms 97:4 His lightning illuminates the world; the earth sees and trembles.
- Revelation 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them.
- Psalms 2:6 “I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.”
- Psalms 2:11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
- Psalms 18:10 He mounted a cherub and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind.
- Psalms 21:8 Your hand will apprehend all Your enemies; Your right hand will seize those who hate You.