Psalm 29 explained: God's Voice in the Storm

A call to the heavenly court (vv. 1-2)

The poem calls on "heavenly beings" (literally "sons of God" or "the mighty") to honor the LORD; most scholars think this means angels around God's throne, though some older readers took it to mean earthly kings. The Hebrew behind "the splendor of his holiness" can describe God's own beauty or the holy clothing worshippers wore, so translations differ.

Thunder over the waters (vv. 3-4)

The storm begins over the waters, probably the sea or the rain clouds, and each thunderclap is heard as God's voice, a phrase repeated seven times in the psalm like rolling thunder. Many scholars think the poem echoes older Canaanite hymns to Baal, a storm god, and is claiming that power for the LORD alone.

The storm strikes the mountains (vv. 5-7)

The storm moves inland to Lebanon, whose giant cedars were the strongest trees people knew, and splits them apart. Sirion is another name for Mount Hermon, and the mountains seem to jump like young animals as lightning flies like splinters.

From the desert to the temple (vv. 8-9)

The storm sweeps south to the desert of Kadesh, crossing the whole land from north to south, and one line can mean either twisting the oaks or frightening deer into giving birth. Meanwhile everyone in God's temple, which may mean heaven itself, cries "Glory!"

King over the flood (vv. 10-11)

The Hebrew word for "flood" appears elsewhere only for Noah's flood, so the picture is of God seated as King above even the most destructive waters. The psalm ends quietly with a statement that this same overwhelming power gives strength and peace to God's people.

Key verse: Psalm 29:10

Something to think about

When you witness raw natural power like a violent storm, what does it stir in you, and what do you make of that feeling?