Psalm 29 (World English Bible)
A Psalm by David.
1 Ascribe to Yahweh, you sons of the mighty,
ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name.
Worship Yahweh in holy array.
3 Yahweh’s voice is on the waters.
The God of glory thunders,
even Yahweh on many waters.
4 Yahweh’s voice is powerful.
Yahweh’s voice is full of majesty.
5 Yahweh’s voice breaks the cedars.
Yes, Yahweh breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes them also to skip like a calf;
Lebanon and Sirion like a young, wild ox.
7 Yahweh’s voice strikes with flashes of lightning.
8 Yahweh’s voice shakes the wilderness.
Yahweh shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
9 Yahweh’s voice makes the deer calve,
and strips the forests bare.
In his temple everything says, “Glory!”
10 Yahweh sat enthroned at the flood.
Yes, Yahweh sits as King forever.
11 Yahweh will give strength to his people.
Yahweh will bless his people with peace.
Background and Related Details for Psalm 29
Psalm 29 is a powerful hymn of praise that exalts God’s sovereignty, particularly through His control over nature. It is attributed to King David and is often classified as a hymn of divine kingship, focusing on the majesty of God’s voice as it manifests in a thunderstorm.
Historical and Cultural Context
- Canaanite Influence: Some scholars believe that elements of Psalm 29 resemble ancient Canaanite hymns that praised Baal, the storm god. However, David repurposes this imagery to affirm Yahweh as the true sovereign over nature.
- The Cedars of Lebanon: The mighty trees mentioned in verse 5 were famous for their size and strength. Their destruction by God’s voice underscores His immense power.
- The Wilderness of Kadesh: This region was a vast desert area, and its mention highlights God’s dominion over even the most remote places.
- The Flood (Verse 10): This may refer to Noah’s Flood, emphasizing God’s eternal kingship over chaos and judgment.
Themes in Psalm 29
- The Power of God’s Voice – The repetition of “Yahweh’s voice” (seven times) emphasizes its creative and destructive force, much like in Genesis 1.
- God’s Kingship Over Creation – Unlike false gods, Yahweh is the true ruler over the storm and all natural forces.
- God’s Blessing and Peace – Despite His overwhelming power, God ultimately blesses His people with strength and peace.
Connections to Other Scriptures
- Genesis 1:1-3 – God’s voice brings creation into existence.
- Exodus 19:16-19 – God’s presence on Mount Sinai is accompanied by thunder and lightning, similar to the imagery in Psalm 29.
- Revelation 10:3-4 – The mighty voice of God, like thunder, appears in the visions of John.
A Prayer Based on Psalm 29
Almighty God, King of all creation,
Your voice is powerful and full of majesty. It thunders over the waters, shakes the earth, and commands the storm. Yet, in Your strength, You also grant peace to Your people.
Lord, help me to hear and respond to Your voice in my life. Just as the heavens declare Your glory, let my heart be filled with awe and worship. Strip away anything in me that resists Your power, and grant me the strength to stand firm in faith.
May I trust in Your eternal rule, knowing that You are enthroned above all things. Fill me with Your peace, even in the midst of the storms of life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
5 Questions to Test Your Understanding of Psalm 29
- What is the main theme of Psalm 29?
- How does the psalm describe the voice of Yahweh?
- What natural elements are mentioned in Psalm 29 as demonstrating God’s power?
- How does Psalm 29 contrast God’s power with the blessing He gives His people?
- How does the reference to “the flood” in verse 10 relate to other parts of Scripture?
Is Psalm 29 Referenced in the New Testament?
While Psalm 29 is not directly quoted in the New Testament, its themes of God’s powerful voice and dominion over creation resonate throughout the Gospels and other writings:
- Matthew 8:26-27 – Jesus calms the storm with His voice, demonstrating divine authority over nature.
- John 12:28-29 – God’s voice is described as thunder when He speaks from heaven.
- Revelation 4:5 – Thunder and lightning proceed from God’s throne, echoing the imagery of Psalm 29.
These references show that the themes of Psalm 29—God’s powerful voice, His rule over creation, and His ability to bring peace—are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.