99:1 cherubims. The cherubim are evidently the highest in all the angelic hierarchy. Wherever they are encountered in Scripture, whether symbolically (e.g., Exodus 25:22) or actually (e.g., Ezekiel 10:19), they are seen to be guarding, as it were, the way into the presence of God (e.g., Genesis 3:24). Satan, or Lucifer, was originally the “anointed cherub” (Ezekiel 28:14), but forfeited this position when pride led him to sin against God (Ezekiel 28:16,17).

99:2 great in Zion. In the New Jerusalem, following the last great judgment, “the throne of God and of the Lamb” (Revelation 22:3) will be at the center, “high above all the people.” From this high throne will flow down the “pure river of water of life” to water the earth (Revelation 22:1).

99:3 it is holy. The name of God is holy (Psalm 99:3), He is holy (Psalm 99:5), and on His holy hill, He is holy (Psalm 99:9). This thrice-holy God is, indeed, “high and lifted up” (Isaiah 6:1, 3). Note that the cherubim are present (Psalm 99:1), just as the seraphim (Isaiah 6:2).

Psalm 100 (title) A Psalm of praise. Although the book of Psalms has been called “the Book of the Praises of Israel, this is one of the only two psalms with this specific heading. The word used here for “praise” is more commonly translated “thanksgiving” and is so rendered in Psalm 100:4. The other “Psalm of praise” is Psalm 145.