Psalm 29
Psalm 29 is a hymn of praise, extolling the power and majesty of God as seen through the forces of nature. David presents God as the Lord over creation, whose voice controls storms and waters. The chapter emphasizes that God's power is unmatched, and it concludes with a prayer for peace and strength for His people. This psalm invites readers to worship God for His glory and strength.
Psalm 29:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones,
Give unto the Lord glory and strength.
2 Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name;
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
David begins by calling all beings, possibly angelic or mighty rulers, to honor God. The focus is on giving God the recognition for His strength and glory, acknowledging His majesty. Worship is to be done with reverence and in the beauty of holiness, suggesting that it should be pure, awe-filled, and respectful.
Psalm 29:3-4 (NKJV)
3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
The God of glory thunders;
The Lord is over many waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
The voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
David highlights God's voice as a symbol of His power. It is compared to thunder that echoes over vast waters, displaying both authority and might. God's words are not just sounds but carry majesty and strength, commanding respect and awe.
Psalm 29:5-6 (NKJV)
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars,
Yes, the Lord splinters the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes them also skip like a calf,
Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox.
The psalm describes God’s voice as so powerful that it shatters the mighty cedars of Lebanon, a symbol of strength and grandeur. Even the mountains and forests, represented by Lebanon and Sirion (Mount Hermon), react to His voice, trembling and moving as if they were young animals in excitement or fear.
Psalm 29:7-9 (NKJV)
7 The voice of the Lord divides the flames of fire.
8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
The Lord shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth,
And strips the forests bare;
And in His temple everyone says, “Glory!”
God’s voice controls even fire, earthquakes, and life itself. The wilderness trembles at His word, and animals respond instinctively to His power, such as deer giving birth. Forests are left bare under His command, and those in the temple are filled with awe, proclaiming His glory.
Psalm 29:10-11 (NKJV)
10 The Lord sat enthroned at the Flood,
And the Lord sits as King forever.
11 The Lord will give strength to His people;
The Lord will bless His people with peace.
David concludes by reminding the readers of God’s sovereign reign since the time of the Flood and that His reign is eternal. Despite His awesome power, God’s desire is to give strength and peace to His people. This shows that God’s greatness is not distant but offers comfort and assurance to those who trust Him.