Intimate Interaction (Psalm 99)

WORSHIP

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

When interpreting scripture, the passage often becomes the best commentary on itself, helping us understand what is being communicated and how to apply it practically to our lives. The following scriptures demonstrate that fact:

PSALM 99:5

"Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool; for He is holy" (KJV).

FOOTSTOOL

In the ancient Near East, a king's footstool was literal: kings sat enthroned with their feet resting on a stool, often decorated, sometimes carved with images of conquered enemies beneath the king's feet as a sign of dominion. God is seated in heaven, but His footstool is an extension of His throne, and therefore of Himself, His presence, and His dominion. He is therefore, not just in 'heaven,' but His rule, and His presence extend to where we are.

DAVID

David said, "...I had in mine heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God..." (1 Chr. 28:2). David refers to the Ark of the Covenant, where God's presence rested, as 'the footstool of our God'. Again, "I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the Mighty God of Jacob" (Psalm 132:4-5 KJV). "We will go into His tabernacles; we will worship at His footstool. Arise, O LORD into thy rest, Thou, and the ark of thy strength" (Psalm 132:7-8 KJV). The 'footstool' is an extension of the king's throne, authority, and rule; it is also a place of strength, being in God's presence.

PSALM 99:9

"Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at His holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy" (KJV).

His 'holy hill' is a reference to Mount Zion, where the Ark of the Covenant was. Therefore, 'holy hill' and 'footstool' are essentially synonymous terms referring to God's presence and His authority as King, where He resides, or rules from.

EXODUS 25:22

"And there I will meet with you, and I will commune with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the Ark of the Testimony, ..."

God is always speaking if we are listening. The fact that God speaks from a place of mercy, over us, means all our sins are covered, and He sees us as holy, set apart to Him, and worthy to be in His presence because of the blood of Jesus. Here, the Hebrew word (dabar), translated 'commune,' signifies more than just a one-time speaking from a distance; it implies an intimate interaction—fellowship with our Father and King. Being in His presence, worshipping at His throne, with our focus and attention solely on Him, makes it much easier to hear His voice and respond to Him.

PSALM 99;1

The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble. He sits between the cherubim; let the earth be moved."

The beginning of the Psalm addresses the passage's whole theme: where God's presence dwells, exhorting us to worship in His presence and interact with our Father, God, and King. It contains specific examples of those intimate interactions:

"Moses and Aaron among His priests, and Samuel among them that call upon His name; they called upon the LORD, and HE ANSWERED THEM". (Ps.99:6)

"He SPOKE TO THEM in the cloudy pillar..." (Ps.99:7).

"You ANSWERED them O LORD our God..." (Ps.99:8).

SUMMARY

God's presence is available to us, to come before His throne—the place of strength and authority—and experience our Father God and King. His power and presence extend beyond heaven right to where we are, enabling intimate interaction and communication with Him, right here, right now.

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours