Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called upon his name. They called to the LORD, and he answered them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights how God not only answered prayers from appointed priests like Aaron, but also from those who, like Moses and Samuel, acted in priestly functions through intercession, even if not formally ordained. This shows that calling on God's name and deeply connecting with Him holds significant power, regardless of one's official title.
Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called upon his name. They called to the LORD, and he answered them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm is calling the people to worship God and exalt Him. To emphasize God's powerful and responsive nature, the psalmist invokes the memory of Israel's greatest leaders, Moses and Aaron, who served as priests, and Samuel, a prophet known for his prayer life, highlighting how God answered their earnest calls. These examples serve to encourage the current generation to trust and call upon God, knowing He hears and responds.
Ever wondered why Moses and Aaron are called 'priests' here, even though Samuel wasn't one? It points to a deeper truth about God's messengers.
This verse highlights key figures who stood between God and His people.
Leaders as Mediators
While Aaron was officially ordained as a priest, Moses also performed many priestly duties, especially in interceding for the people. He acted as a mediator, a bridge between God and Israel.
The Power of Prayer
Samuel, though not a priest by lineage, was renowned for his powerful prayers. He is grouped with Moses and Aaron because his earnest calling on God's name also held immense weight.
The verse ends with a powerful promise: 'they called to the LORD, and he answered them.' What does this tell us about God?
This isn't just a historical note; it's a testament to God's character and His covenant faithfulness.
A God Who Hears
When these chosen leaders cried out to God, He didn't ignore them. The psalm emphasizes that God actively responded to their calls.
Relational Covenant
This responsiveness is rooted in God's covenant with His people. He established a relationship where He would hear and answer those who sincerely sought Him, especially through His appointed representatives.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
kohanim · Hebrew Noun (plural)
The divinely appointed mediators between God and the people, responsible for offering sacrifices and representing the people before the Lord.
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the covenant-keeping God of Israel, revealed to Moses, often associated with His self-existence and faithfulness to His people.
This verse draws on distinct moments in Israel's history to show how God honored faithful intercession, whether from those acting as priests like Moses and Aaron, or a prophet like Samuel.
~1446 BC
Giving of the Law at Sinai
Following their exodus from Egypt, Moses, acting in a priestly capacity, sprinkles the blood of the covenant, symbolizing God's commitment to Israel and Israel's commitment to God. This event highlights Moses' unique role before the formal institution of the Levitical priesthood.
~1445 BC
Consecration of Aaron and the Priesthood
Aaron and his sons are formally consecrated as priests, establishing the official line of priestly service for the Tabernacle. While Moses performed priestly functions earlier, this marks the formal start of the Aaronic priesthood.
~1400-1070 BC
The Period of the Judges
This era in Israel's history was characterized by cycles of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance, often through divinely appointed judges. Samuel emerges as a key figure during the later part of this period.
c. 1100 BC— this verse
Samuel's Ministry and Prayer
Samuel, though not a Levitical priest, is renowned for his powerful intercession and close relationship with God. His earnest prayers, such as those for the Israelites facing the Philistines, demonstrate a profound ability to call upon God and receive His answer.
This passage shows Moses interceding powerfully with God on behalf of Israel after they sinned with the golden calf, mirroring the verse's theme of calling on God and being answered.
1 Samuel 7:5-10Here, Samuel leads the people in repentance and prayer, crying out to the Lord, who then answers with thunder, demonstrating the efficacy of calling upon God's name.
Jeremiah 15:1Even as judgment was coming, God speaks of Moses and Samuel as intercessors who would stand before Him, highlighting their significant roles in calling on God and His response.
Numbers 16:46-48This account depicts Aaron stepping in with incense and prayer amidst a plague, making atonement and stopping God's wrath, illustrating a priestly act of calling upon the Lord that brought a divine answer.
clarkePsalms 99:6: "Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them."
Moses and Aaron - As Moses and Aaron among the priests, and as Samuel among the prophets, worshipped God in humility, gratitude, and the spirit of obedience, and received the strongest tokens of the Divine favor; so worship ye the Lord, that he may bless, support, and save you. Moses was properly the priest of the Hebrews before Aaron and his family w…
pulpitPsalms 99:6: "Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them."
Verse 6. - Moses and Aaron among his priests. Moses, though not called a priest in the Pentateuch, performed many priestly acts, such as sprinkling the blood of the covenant at Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:6-8), setting in order the tabernacle (Exodus 40:18-33), consecrating Aaron and his sons (Leviticus 8:6-30), interceding for the people (Exodus 32:30-32;…
The verse highlights how God not only answered prayers from appointed priests like Aaron, but also from those who, like Moses and Samuel, acted in priestly functions through intercession, even if not formally ordained. This shows that calling on God's name and deeply connecting with Him holds significant power, regardless of one's official title.
The psalm is calling the people to worship God and exalt Him. To emphasize God's powerful and responsive nature, the psalmist invokes the memory of Israel's greatest leaders, Moses and Aaron, who served as priests, and Samuel, a prophet known for his prayer life, highlighting how God answered their earnest calls. These examples serve to encourage the current generation to trust and call upon God, knowing He hears and responds.
The psalm is calling the people to worship God and exalt Him. To emphasize God's powerful and responsive nature, the psalmist invokes the memory of Israel's greatest leaders, Moses and Aaron, who served as priests, and Samuel, a prophet known for his prayer life, highlighting how God answered their earnest calls. These examples serve to encourage the current generation to trust and call upon God, knowing He hears and responds.
"Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called upon his name. They called to the LORD, and he answered them." — The verse highlights how God not only answered prayers from appointed priests like Aaron, but also from those who, like Moses and Samuel, acted in priestly functions through intercession, even if n…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026