FRAMEWORKS:
Psa 29
(The
objective of these ‘Frameworks' is to provide an easy-to-read
layout of the text in order then to use these individual verses
for meditation. To focus each verse we have also added a subheading
summary as a description of what is happening)
FRAMEWORKS:
Psalm 29: The Power of God in Nature
A
psalm of David.
[Preliminary
Comments: Another psalm of David that looks to nature,
this time to a massive storm that flows down over the land from
far north to far south, bending and breaking trees before it.
David sees the forms of this storm as specific expressions (voice)
of the Lord. When He ‘speaks' immense power is released and brings
destruction, yet His people can be at peace in it [v.11]. Christian
believers likewise take assurance that whatever is happening in
the world, the Son of God is ruling in the midst of it – see Psa
110:1,2, 1 Cor 15:25]
v.1,2
A call to recognise and give glory to the Lord for His glory &
power
v.1
Ascribe
to the Lord, you heavenly beings, [i.e.
the angels & powers – Eph 6:12 ]
ascribe to
the Lord glory and strength.
v.2 Ascribe
to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of his
holiness.
v.3-5
A mighty storm from the north heralds His power
v.3
The
voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
v.4 The
voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.
v.5 The
voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of
Lebanon. [mountains along north
border of Israel]
v.6
The whole land of the north quakes
v.6
He
makes Lebanon leap like a calf,
Sirion [Mount
Hermon] like a young wild ox.
v.7-9
This devastating storm reaches to the far south
v.7
The
voice of the Lord strikes
with flashes of lightning.
v.8 The
voice of the Lord shakes the desert;
the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
[in the far south of Israel]
v.9 The
voice of the Lord twists the oaks
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”
v.10,11
Clearly the Lord presides over all Creation as ruler
v.10
The
Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord is enthroned as King forever.
v.11
The
Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.
[Additional
Thoughts: For David the psalmist, all of Creation speaks
in some way about the wonder, power, and majesty of the Lord.
Here he observes in a mighty nation-wide storm the power of the
Lord.]
Continue
to Psa 30