Psalm 99

 Overview: (Kei-Ps) The repeated refrain is that the LORD is holy. Because he is holy, he alone should be worshiped and served. And so to demonstrate his holiness.

Structure: (Kel-Ps) The structure of Psalm 99 may be arranged differently for the exposition: verses 1–3 may be taken as a separate unit because they announce the LORD’s reign and describe his greatness in Zion; then verses 4 and 5 explain that his reign is characterized by his love for justice and righteousness which he has established; and finally, verses 6–9 provide samples of his covenant faithfulness in answering prayer, revealing his will, and forgiving sin. Each of these sections ends with a reminder of his holiness.

Note in v.8, "O LORD our God, you answered them.
    They found you to be a forgiving God,
    but also one who punished their sinful deeds."

How do you reconcile the forgiving and punishing? (see NET notes for the 3 ways of translation and the 3 different meanings from the different translations).

Reflection: From v.6-9, the psalmists gave us examples of how God's greatness/holiness/justice was seen when He answered prayers, speaking to His people and forgiving//punishing them. They prayed...He answered v.6. He spoke...they obeyed v.7. He answered...they found you to be forgiving/punishing v.9. God is not a one-voice tyranny and does not care about His people. Do you love to communicate with Him by praying/reading and obeying His words?

Second, He is great and He is holy because of the point above. Do you see greatness this way? What do you praise? When we lead others do we answer/speak and forgive/punish?