Psalm 99

The cherubim are mysterious and terrifying angelic creatures mentioned in the Bible, often as servants of God in a holy place. They are composite creatures with elements of lions, eagles, bulls, etc., representing all the animals of creation.

When the psalmist mentions in today’s psalm that “the Lord…sits enthroned above the cherubim”, we are meant to imagine the Lord’s terrifying majesty.

Question for you: In the Bible, angelic creatures—spiritual beings—are terrifying. Where do you think we got the cultural idea of angels being cute and cuddly?

Psalm 99

1 The Lord reigns,
    let the nations tremble;
he sits enthroned between the cherubim,
    let the earth shake.
2 Great is the Lord in Zion;
    he is exalted over all the nations.
3 Let them praise your great and awesome name—
    he is holy.

4 The King is mighty, he loves justice—
    you have established equity;
in Jacob you have done
    what is just and right.
5 Exalt the Lord our God
    and worship at his footstool;
    he is holy.

6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
    Samuel was among those who called on his name;
they called on the Lord
    and he answered them.
7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud;
    they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.

8 Lord our God,
    you answered them;
you were to Israel a forgiving God,
    though you punished their misdeeds.
9 Exalt the Lord our God
    and worship at his holy mountain,
    for the Lord our God is holy.