Psalms 29

King James Version

Full text for Psalms Chapter 29

1¶ A Psalm of David. Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

2Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

3The voice of the LORD [is] upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD [is] upon many waters.

4The voice of the LORD [is] powerful; the voice of the LORD [is] full of majesty.

5The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.

6He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.

7The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire.

8The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.

9The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of [his] glory.

10The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.

11The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Psalm 29 calls upon all, especially the mighty, to ascribe glory and strength to the LORD, worshipping Him in holiness. It vividly portrays the powerful "voice of the LORD," likened to thunder, demonstrating His majesty over creation, breaking cedars and shaking wildernesses. The psalm concludes by affirming the LORD's eternal kingship and His promise to bless His people with strength and peace.

Medium Summary

Psalm 29 begins with a solemn exhortation for all, particularly the mighty, to render unto the LORD the glory and strength due to His name, worshipping Him in the beauty of holiness. The psalm then transitions into a powerful description of the "voice of the LORD," which is depicted as a majestic and potent force. This divine voice is heard upon the waters, breaks the strong cedars of Lebanon, and causes mountains like Lebanon and Sirion to skip. It further divides flames of fire and shakes the wilderness of Kadesh, revealing its immense power over nature. Even the hinds are made to calve, and forests are laid bare by this voice. The psalm culminates by declaring that the LORD reigns eternally as King, even over the great flood. Finally, it assures that the LORD will bestow strength upon His people and bless them with peace.

Long Summary

Psalm 29, a psalm of David, commences with an urgent and repeated call for the mighty to give unto the LORD glory and strength, urging them to worship Him in the beauty of holiness. The central theme then shifts to an awe-inspiring depiction of the "voice of the LORD," which is presented as a manifestation of divine power and majesty. This voice is first heard upon the waters, thundering forth as the God of glory. Its inherent power and majesty are emphasized, illustrating its profound impact on the natural world. The voice of the LORD is described as breaking the mighty cedars, specifically those of Lebanon, demonstrating its ability to shatter even the most robust elements of creation. Furthermore, it causes the mountains, identified as Lebanon and Sirion, to leap and skip like young animals, symbolizing the earth's trembling before divine authority. The psalm continues to illustrate the voice's dominion by stating it divides the flames of fire and shakes the wilderness, particularly the wilderness of Kadesh, highlighting its pervasive influence. Its power extends even to the animal kingdom, causing hinds to calve, and it reveals the hidden depths of the forests. Amidst these displays of power, the psalm notes that in His temple, everyone speaks of His glory. The psalm then transitions to affirm the LORD's sovereign rule, declaring that He sits enthroned upon the flood, reigning as King forever. The final verse offers a comforting promise, assuring that the LORD will impart strength to His people and bless them with peace, concluding the psalm with a note of divine provision and blessing.

Core Concepts

  • The Voice of the LORDThis central concept refers to God's powerful and majestic utterance, often associated with thunder and the force of a storm, demonstrating His absolute dominion over creation. It is depicted as breaking cedars, shaking wildernesses, and dividing flames.
  • Divine Glory and StrengthThe psalm begins by calling upon all, especially the mighty, to ascribe glory and strength to the LORD, acknowledging His inherent majesty and omnipotence. This emphasizes the proper worship and reverence due to God.
  • God's Sovereignty over NatureThe "voice of the LORD" is shown to command all elements of nature, from waters and mountains to cedars, fire, and wildernesses. This illustrates God's supreme control and power over the physical world.
  • Worship in HolinessThe psalm instructs worshippers to "worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness," signifying that reverence and adoration should be offered with purity and sacredness, reflecting God's own character.
  • Eternal KingshipThe psalm declares that "the LORD sitteth King for ever," asserting His perpetual and unwavering reign, even over chaotic forces like the flood, signifying His enduring authority.
  • Blessing and Peace for God's PeopleThe psalm concludes with a promise that the LORD will give strength to His people and bless them with peace, indicating His benevolent care and provision for those who belong to Him.