Psalms 99:6
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)
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The psalm doesn't just list historical figures; it uses Moses and Aaron as examples of God's "priests" and Samuel as one who "called upon his name," highlighting that God responds to those who approach Him, whether in ordained roles or through fervent prayer. This emphasizes that access to God isn't limited to a specific office but is available to all who call out to Him.
The psalmist is highlighting God's faithfulness by recounting how He responded to the earnest prayers of His chosen leaders in the past. By mentioning Moses and Aaron, who served in priestly roles and interceded for the people, and Samuel, a powerful intercessor, the psalm emphasizes that God consistently heard and answered those who called upon Him. This serves as encouragement for the people of God's own time to trust in His willingness to respond when they call out to Him.
Moses and Aaron were more than just leaders; they served as crucial links between God and His people. But how did their roles blur the lines of official priesthood?
The verse highlights Moses and Aaron as "among his priests." While Aaron and his lineage were formally designated priests, Moses often performed priestly duties, especially in intercession.
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Samuel wasn't a priest or a Levite by formal lineage, yet he stands alongside Moses and Aaron. What made his calling upon God so significant?
Samuel is identified as being 'among those who called upon his name.' This points to his profound reliance on and effectiveness in prayer.
The final clause, 'They called to the LORD, and he answered them,' is incredibly powerful. What does this assurance mean for us today?
This verse isn't just a historical account; it's a testament to God's consistent character – He hears and responds to those who seek Him.
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 highlights how God responded to the earnest prayers of key figures like Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. Their roles, though varied—priest, intercessor, prophet—all demonstrate that calling on God's name in faith brought His direct and powerful answers, a pattern the Psalmist uses to encourage his own generation.
c. 1440 BC
Tabernacle Consecration and Law Given
Moses, acting in a priestly capacity before Aaron's official consecration, performs key rites and receives the Law at Mount Sinai, establishing foundational worship practices.
c. 1440 BC
Moses Intercedes for Israel
After the golden calf incident, Moses pleads with God not to destroy the Israelites, demonstrating a powerful intercessory role prior to the formal priesthood.
c. 1400 BC
Aaron's Priestly Intercession
Aaron uses his priestly authority to make atonement for the Israelites during a plague following Korah's rebellion, showing the power of priestly prayer.
c. 1070 BC— this verse
Samuel's Prophetic Ministry and Intercession
Samuel, a Levite but not a priest, powerfully intercedes for Israel against the Philistines, demonstrating the efficacy of prayer from those who call on God's name.
c. 1030 BC
Saul's Rejection and Samuel's Warning
Samuel confronts Saul and warns the people, who then cry out to him to intercede with God, highlighting Samuel's continued role as an intercessor.
This passage shows Moses interceding for Israel after they made the golden calf, mirroring the prayer and answer dynamic highlighted in Psalm 99:6.
1 Samuel 7:8-9Here, Samuel cries out to the Lord for Israel against the Philistines and the Lord answers him, directly illustrating the theme of calling upon God and receiving His response.
Jeremiah 15:1This verse references Moses and Samuel as intercessors whose prayers would not be enough to turn God's wrath from Judah, emphasizing the weight and historical significance of such powerful prayer.
Numbers 16:46-48This shows Aaron stepping in to make atonement for the people during a plague, demonstrating his priestly role in interceding and averting God's judgment, aligning with his mention as a priest in the Psalm.
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 psalm doesn't just list historical figures; it uses Moses and Aaron as examples of God's "priests" and Samuel as one who "called upon his name," highlighting that God responds to those who approach Him, whether in ordained roles or through fervent prayer. This emphasizes that access to God isn't limited to a specific office but is available to all who call out to Him.
The psalmist is highlighting God's faithfulness by recounting how He responded to the earnest prayers of His chosen leaders in the past. By mentioning Moses and Aaron, who served in priestly roles and interceded for the people, and Samuel, a powerful intercessor, the psalm emphasizes that God consistently heard and answered those who called upon Him. This serves as encouragement for the people of God's own time to trust in His willingness to respond when they call out to Him.
The psalmist is highlighting God's faithfulness by recounting how He responded to the earnest prayers of His chosen leaders in the past. By mentioning Moses and Aaron, who served in priestly roles and interceded for the people, and Samuel, a powerful intercessor, the psalm emphasizes that God consistently heard and answered those who called upon Him. This serves as encouragement for the people of God's own time to trust in His willingness to respond when they call out to Him.
"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 psalm doesn't just list historical figures; it uses Moses and Aaron as examples of God's "priests" and Samuel as one who "called upon his name," highlighting that God responds to those who approa…
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