Psalms 29

Psalms 29:1-11

Peace after Storm Psalms 29:1-11 This is a perfect specimen of Hebrew poetry, describing the march of a thunder-storm over Palestine from north to south. The prelude, Psalms 29:1-2, is addressed to the angelic hosts, who stand above the tumult of earth and sky. Heaven is viewed as a temple in which the angels are the priests. The storm, Psalms 29:3-9. The many waters are the Mediterranean. The tempest breaks first on the Lebanon, the cedars of which sway to and fro before its fury. Each thunder-clap is accompanied by forked lightning. The storm passes to Kadesh and the rock-hewn cities of Petra. The beasts are terror-stricken; the trees are stripped of their leafy dress. In the Temple the worshipers respond to the challenge of nature! Glory to the King! The voice of the Lord is mentioned seven times. Compare Revelation 10:3. The conclusion, Psalms 29:10-11. This God is our God, and will give us strength and peace. The psalm begins with “ glory in the highest” and ends with “ peace on earth.”

The voice of the LordA perfect specimen of Hebrew poetry, giving a magnificent description of a thunderstorm, marching from north to south of Palestine.

Psalms 29:1-2 Prelude. Addressed to the firstborn sons of light (marg.), who stand above the tumult of earth and sky. Heaven is viewed as a temple, the priests of which are angels, clad in holy vestments (2 Chronicles 20:21; Psalms 110:3).

Psalms 29:3-9 The Description of the Storm. We hear first the low, distant muttering of the thunder. The “many waters” may refer to the Mediterranean from which the storm arose (Psalms 29:3). Coming nearer the tempest breaks on Lebanon and Sirion, the Sidonian name for Hermon. The cedars sway to and fro before the wild fury of the storm. Each thunder peal is accompanied by zig-zag forked lightning (Psalms 29:4-7). The storm passes southwards to the desert Kadesh and to the rock-hewn cities of Petra.

In the Temple the gathered worshippers respond to the challenge of nature, and say, “Glory! Every whit of it uttereth glory” (marg.). Oh that every whit of the inner temple of our hearts, and of the spiritual temple of the Church–each nail, and thread, and splint–might utter that same cry, “Glory to God in the Highest!” The voice of the Lord is mentioned SEVEN times, reminding us of the seven thunders of Rev 10:3.

Psalms 29:3-9 The Conclusion. God’s supremacy is the subject of these closing words. He sits upon the clouds as on a throne or chariot. He is King of Nature and of Grace. He is in the strength of the storm and in the halcyon peace that breaks out like a smile, when the storm has passed. The Psalm begins with Gloria in excelsis! And ends with Pax in terris! “Glory to God” implies “peace on earth.”