Psalm 99:6

Moses and Aaron were among His priests; Samuel was among those who called on His name. They called to the LORD and He answered.

Study Bible

Moses and Aaron were among His priests;
Moses and Aaron are central figures in the history of Israel, serving as leaders during the Exodus. Moses, though not a priest in the traditional sense, acted as a mediator between God and the people, similar to a priestly role. Aaron, his brother, was the first high priest, establishing the Aaronic priesthood. This phrase highlights their unique positions in serving God and leading the Israelites. The priestly role involved offering sacrifices and interceding for the people, which Moses and Aaron did during their leadership. This connection emphasizes the importance of faithful leadership and obedience to God's commands.

Samuel was among those who called on His name.
Samuel, a prophet and judge, played a crucial role in Israel's history, bridging the period between the judges and the monarchy. Known for his dedication to God from a young age, Samuel's life was marked by prayer and direct communication with God. His calling on God's name signifies his reliance on divine guidance and his role as an intercessor for the people. Samuel's leadership was characterized by his commitment to God's will, and he was instrumental in anointing the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. This phrase underscores the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God's guidance.

They called to the LORD and He answered.
This statement reflects the faithfulness of God in responding to those who earnestly seek Him. Throughout the Bible, God is depicted as a responsive and compassionate deity who listens to the prayers of His people. The experiences of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel demonstrate that God answers those who call upon Him in sincerity and truth. This assurance of divine response is a recurring theme in Scripture, encouraging believers to maintain a strong prayer life. The phrase also points to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God promises to be attentive to His people's needs and concerns.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
A central figure in the Old Testament, Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He is known for receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai and is considered a prophet and a priestly figure, interceding for the people.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses, Aaron was the first high priest of Israel. He played a crucial role in the Exodus and the establishment of the priesthood, serving as a mediator between God and the Israelites.

3. Samuel
A prophet and judge of Israel, Samuel was instrumental in the transition from the period of judges to the monarchy. He anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David, and was known for his faithful service and prayer life.

4. Calling on His Name
This phrase signifies prayer and communication with God, highlighting the relationship between God and His chosen leaders who sought His guidance and intervention.

5. The LORD's Response
The verse emphasizes God's faithfulness in responding to those who earnestly seek Him, demonstrating His willingness to engage with His people.

Teaching Points

The Role of Intercessors
Moses, Aaron, and Samuel exemplify the importance of intercessory prayer. As believers, we are called to pray for others, standing in the gap and seeking God's will and intervention.

God's Faithfulness in Answering Prayer
The verse assures us that God hears and responds to the prayers of His people. We can approach Him with confidence, knowing that He is attentive to our cries.

The Importance of Leadership
Godly leadership involves seeking God's guidance and being a conduit for His will. Leaders in the church and community should emulate the prayerful and obedient lives of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel.

The Power of Calling on God's Name
Invoking God's name in prayer is a powerful act of faith. It acknowledges His sovereignty and our dependence on Him, encouraging us to cultivate a deep and personal relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the roles of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel as intercessors inform our understanding of prayer and leadership today?

2. In what ways can we emulate the faithfulness of these biblical figures in our own prayer lives?

3. How does the concept of calling on God's name challenge us to deepen our relationship with Him?

4. What can we learn from God's responses to Moses, Aaron, and Samuel about His character and His expectations for us?

5. How does the role of Jesus as our high priest enhance our understanding of the intercessory roles of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
Moses intercedes for the Israelites after the golden calf incident, demonstrating his role as a mediator and priest.

Leviticus 8-9
Aaron's consecration as the first high priest, establishing the priestly lineage and duties.

1 Samuel 7
Samuel's leadership and intercession for Israel, showcasing his role as a prophet and judge.

Hebrews 4:14-16
The role of Jesus as our high priest, drawing parallels to the intercessory roles of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel.