Mizmor 99

Rabbi Shimshon Hirsch: "Therefore, exalt the L-rd our G-d, and prostate yourselves at His footstool; holy is He”

"His footstool” is the point on earth at which He lets His sovereign Prescence repose. This is a metaphor for the Sanctuary of His Law.

If the nations of the world truly acknowledge the majesty of our G-d, then they can demonstrate their acceptance of Him only through complete devotion to His Law, which reposes in His Sanctuary. For G-d is holy, and only those who strive for moral sanctification may come close to Him.

Indeed, the closer a human being is to Him, the more unsullied must be the purity of one's character and conduct.

Outside of Judaism, one sometimes finds the delusion prevalent that the requirements of moral law are value only for people of lower or middle social strata. According to that point of view, social prominence, and particularly intellectual prowess and genius constitute a license for indulgence in moral aberrations.

Judaism does not share such views. It is those most near and dearest to G-d that He wishes them to be sanctified. Thus, according to the Sages, G-d is most exacting toward those that are in His immediate circle.

This is the truth that is pointed out to the nations as they enter G-d's presence, and that is illustrated in the verses of this Mizmor concerning our leaders.