Year 8, Day 231: Psalm 98-99

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Psalm 98 is another psalm of praise.  I love the imagery presented here.  We are supposed to shout.  That’s not quiet.  We are supposed to sing with the lyre (a type of guitar).  That’s not quiet, either.  We are to use trumpets and horns.  Those aren’t known for being quiet instruments, either.  What’s the point?  Praising God is part of our testimony!  Praising God is something that should help other people come into a closer relationship with God.  Our praise is something that should help people come to know God more deeply.

Psalm 99 brings us to the character or God.  He is righteous.  He loves justice.  He executes mercy as well as well as avenges wrong.  These are all typical statements when it comes to the nature of God.

When we probe into Psalm 99 a little more deeply, we note an unusual comment within.  Aaron and Moses and Samuel are mentioned.  The point of mentioning them?  They are God’s priests.  They talked to God and God answered them.  They were in relationship with this being who loves righteousness, justice, and mercy.

In a sense, we now come full circle with these two psalms.  We, like Moses and Aaron and Samuel, are priests of the most high God.  We, too, can know relationship.  We can call upon Him and He will know our voice and answer us.  We can count on His pursuit of grace, mercy, and justice.  This is why we have reason to praise Him.  This is why we have reason to give testimony to His name.

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