Psalms 99:1
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
The LORD reigns; let the people tremble: he sits between the cherubim; let the earth be moved.
American King James Version (AKJV)
The LORD reigns; let the people tremble: he sits between the cherubim; let the earth be moved.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Jehovah reigneth; let the peoples tremble: He sitteth above the cherubim; let the earth be moved.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
The Lord is King; let the peoples be in fear: his seat is on the winged ones; let the earth be moved.
Webster's Revision
The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he setteth between the cherubim; let the earth be moved.
World English Bible
Yahweh reigns! Let the peoples tremble. He sits enthroned among the cherubim. Let the earth be moved.
English Revised Version (ERV)
The LORD reigneth; let the peoples tremble: he sitteth upon the cherubim; let the earth be moved.
Definitions for Psalms 99:1
Clarke's Psalms 99:1 Bible Commentary
The Lord reigneth - See the note on Psalm 97:1.
Let the people tremble - He will establish his kingdom in spite of his enemies; let those who oppose him tremble for the consequences.
He sitteth between the cherubims - This is in reference to the ark, at each end of which was a cherub of glory; and the shechinah, or symbol of the Divine Presence, appeared on the lid of the ark, called also the mercy-seat, between the cherubim. Sitting between the cherubim implies God's graciousness and mercy. While then, in his reign, he was terrible to sinners, he is on the throne of grace to all who fear love, and obey him. Though this symbol were not in the second temple, yet the Divine Being might very well be thus denominated, because it had become one of his titles, he having thus appeared under the tabernacle and first temple.
Barnes's Psalms 99:1 Bible Commentary
The Lord reigneth - The Lord, Yahweh, is king. See Psalm 93:1.
Let the people tremble - The Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate render this, "Let the people rage" - or, be angry: as if the idea were that God reigned, although the people were enraged, and were opposed to him. The true meaning of the word used here, however, is "tremble," properly signifying to be moved, disturbed, disquieted, thrown into commotion; and then it may mean to be moved with anger, Proverbs 29:9; Isaiah 28:21; or with grief, 2 Samuel 18:33 : or with fear, Psalm 4:4; or with joy, Jeremiah 33:9. Hence, it means to be agitated or moved with fear or reverence; and it refers here to the reverence or awe which one has in the conscious presence of God.
He sitteth between the cherubims - See the notes at Psalm 80:1.
Let the earth be moved - Margin, "stagger." The word means to move or quake. It occurs nowhere else. Compare the notes at Psalm 18:7. See also Habakkuk 3:6, Habakkuk 3:10.
Wesley's Psalms 99:1 Bible Commentary
99:1 People - Such as are enemies to God and his people. Sitteth - Upon the ark. He is present with his people. Earth - The people of the earth. Moved - With fear and trembling.