READ: Ps. 29:1–11: … Give unto the LORD glory and strength … Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness … The voice of the LORD is powerful … full of majesty … Breaks the cedars … Divides the flames of fire … Shakes the wilderness … The LORD sits enthroned as King forever … The LORD will bless His people with peace.
In this Psalm also David sings of the power of the LORD—this time as He displays His divine power in nature. The purpose of this Psalm is the glorification of the LORD and the comfort of the believer.
The first thing David sings is: “Give unto the LORD glory and strength.” Strength here is synonymous with power. David addresses the “mighty ones” , literally “sons of the Mighty,” that is, the angels, God’s hosts. In Rev.4:11 and 5:12 we hear something similar in heaven as praise to God and His Son.
Power belongs to the glory of God. This must be acknowledged and celebrated in heaven and on earth. Compare also the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer: “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.” By bowing before the LORD we acknowledge His glory (v.2).
David now identifies where God’s power is noticed and experienced. He points to the voice of the LORD in the thunderstorm. Even cedars can be split by storm and lightning. Even mountains like Lebanon and Hermon (Sirion) tremble as does the adjoining wilderness.
Storm and thunder we may see as “the voice” of God (vv.1,4,5,7). In them He shows His power. He also gives deliverance in the storm. While on earth everything trembles, God sits calmly as Ruler over all His creation on His throne (v.10).
Whoever seeks refuge in Him will receive strength from Him. The church may know this amid all unrest and opposition that she encounters on earth. He is King forever.
Only He gives true peace to all who honor Him. This includes the final victory of Christ as the Prince of Peace. That too is accompanied by noise and fire (2 Pet. 3:10). In Rev.19:1–5 we read that all who fear Him will then praise Him.
Is there anything on earth that truly leaves us at a loss?
Singing: Ps. 29:1,2,3