Here is Psalmus 98 (Vulgate) – Dominus regnavit: irascantur populi in Study Format.
By GRAHAM JOHN on Monday, December 1, 2025
(= Psalm 99 in Hebrew numbering)
Dominus regnavit: irascantur populi
A psalm of holy kingship, divine justice, and transformative awe.
No truncation required.
Versus 1
Dominus regnavit: irascantur populi; qui sedet super cherubim, moveatur terra.
The Lord has reigned: let the peoples be shaken;
he who sits upon the cherubim — let the earth be moved.
Word Notes:
- rego – regnare – to reign.
- irascor – irasci (dep.) – to be angered, to tremble.
- sedeo – sedere – to sit.
- cherubim – throne-bearers of God (symbol of divine presence).
- moveor – moveri – to be moved, stirred.
Versus 2
Dominus in Sion magnus, et excelsus est super omnes populos.
Great is the Lord in Zion, and exalted above all the peoples.
Word Notes:
- magnus, -a, -um – great.
- excelsus, -a, -um – exalted, high.
Versus 3
Confiteantur nomini tuo magno, quoniam terribile, et sanctum est.
Let them acknowledge your great name, for it is fearful and holy.
Word Notes:
- confiteor – confiteri (dep.) – to acknowledge, proclaim.
- terribilis, -e – awe-inspiring, fearsome (not “frightening”).
- sanctus – holy.
Versus 4
Et honor regis judicium diligit. Tu parasti directiones; judicium et justitiam in Jacob tu fecisti.
And the king’s honour is that he loves judgment.
You have established right order;
you have executed judgment and justice in Jacob.
Word Notes:
- honor, -oris m. – honour, dignity.
- diligo – diligere – dilexi – dilectum – to love, to esteem.
- paro – parare – to prepare, establish.
- directio, -onis f. – right guidance, straightness.
Versus 5
Exaltate Dominum Deum nostrum, et adorate scabellum pedum ejus, quoniam sanctum est.
Exalt the Lord our God, and bow before his footstool, for he is holy.
Word Notes:
- exalto – exaltare – to exalt.
- adoro – adorare – to adore, bow down.
- scabellum, -i n. – footstool.
Versus 6
Moyses et Aaron in sacerdotibus ejus, et Samuel inter eos qui invocant nomen ejus; invocabant Dominum, et ipse exaudiebat eos.
Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
and Samuel among those who called upon his name;
they called upon the Lord, and he heard them.
Word Notes:
- invoco – invocare – to call upon.
- exaudiō – exaudīre – to hear favourably.
Versus 7
In columna nubis loquebatur ad eos; custodiebant testimonia ejus, et præceptum quod dedit illis.
In a pillar of cloud he spoke to them;
they kept his testimonies and the command he gave them.
Word Notes:
- columna, -ae f. – column, pillar.
- loquor – loqui – locutus sum – to speak.
- testimonium, -ii n. – testimony, decree.
- praeceptum, -i n. – command, precept.
Versus 8
Domine Deus noster, tu exaudiebas eos; Deus, tu propitius fuisti eis, et ulciscens in omnes adinventiones eorum.
O Lord our God, you heard them;
you were a God forgiving them,
and yet punishing their misdeeds.
Word Notes:
- propitius, -a, -um – merciful, forgiving.
- ulciscor – ulcisci – ultus sum – to avenge, punish.
- adinventio, -onis f. – device, scheme, misconduct.
Versus 9
Exaltate Dominum Deum nostrum, et adorate in monte sancto ejus, quoniam sanctus Dominus Deus noster.
Exalt the Lord our God, and worship on his holy mountain,
for holy is the Lord our God.
Summary Commentary
Psalm 98 (Vulgate) is a psalm of awe, justice, and reverent fear.
- “He sits upon the cherubim.”
This is not mythology but symbolic throne-language:
God enthroned in the depths of consciousness, at the centre of being. - Awe precedes understanding.
“Terribile et sanctum est”:
the divine is not cosy; it awakens, confronts, and realigns. - Moses, Aaron, Samuel
These figures represent archetypes of leadership, intercession,
and listening.
Inner faculties that “call upon the Name” and receive guidance. - Forgiveness and correction together
“Propitius… et ulciscens”: mercy and discipline are paired.
The inner life requires both compassion and correction.
Exercises
(a) English → Latin Translation
Translate:
- The Lord has reigned; let the peoples be shaken.
- Moses and Aaron were among his priests.
- He spoke to them in a pillar of cloud.
- Exalt the Lord our God.
Key:
- Dominus regnavit: irascantur populi.
- Moyses et Aaron in sacerdotibus ejus erant.
- In columna nubis loquebatur ad eos.
- Exaltate Dominum Deum nostrum.
(b) Verb Form Practice
Present / Imperfect / Future:
- irascor – irasci
- diligo – diligere
- invoco – invocare
- loquor – loqui
- ulciscor – ulcisci
Model Answers:
irascor / irascebar / irascar
diligo / diligebam / diligam
invoco / invocabam / invocabo
loquor / loquebar / loquar
ulciscor / ulciscebar / ulciscar
(c) Reflection Questions
- What does it mean psychologically for the “earth” to be moved?
- How do awe and holiness function in the inner life?
- Why do forgiveness and discipline appear together in verse 8?