One of the key themes in Psalm 93-99 is “Yahweh reigns”. It takes faith to see it, to proclaim that truly, God reigns.
The messages around us seem to say otherwise. Political leaders make statements, deliberate on policy, and the media follow them closely. The presidents and prime ministers seem to be the ones in charge–at least for now. Entertainers and influencers, academics and experts give their views and so many people follow them; it seems they are the ones reigning in the realm of public opinion.
This year has seen a global public health pandemic as well as racial protests originating in the US. Skeptics may ask, “Where is God in all of this?”
Ancient Songs and Modern Truth
The Psalms affirm this clearly: God reigns.
“Yahweh reigns, he is robed in majesty; Yahweh is robed in majestry, and armed with strength. Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.” Psalm 93:1-2
“Rise up, O Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve.” Psalm 94:2
“Yahweh is the great God, the great King above all gods.” Psalm 95:3
“All the gods of the nations are idols, but Yahweh made the heavens.” Psalm 96:5
“Yahweh reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.” Psalm 97:1
“Yahweh reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake.” Psalm 99:1
Book 4 of the Psalms (90-106) is the theological center of the entire collection. All 150 psalms are important and also useful in teaching us to pray. These 17 psalms, though, proclaim with clarity the central message of the Psalter: God is reigning and in control. Worship and praise him and order your life around God.
Listen to these messages taken from this section of Scripture on the First Fifteen podcast.
