Psalms 29

A Psalm of David.

The artistic finish of this psalm places it in the first class of the sacred lyrics, while the conception and expression spring from the soul of poetry and devotion. Its earnest, exultant tone, its graphic delineations, and its devout spirit, point to some external occasion. The thunderstorm itself could not have been that occasion. Above the storm, and in the wild confusion of warring elements, there was a providence, a moral significance, which made God himself the ultimate thought, and gave to the scene its real sublimity. This religious element is indicated in the highly Jehovistic character of the psalm, and is directly expressed in the concluding verse. The name Jehovah the covenant name of God occurs eighteen times; the name God, twice. The majesty and the power of Jehovah are climaxed with the thought, “Jehovah will give strength unto his people; Jehovah will bless his people with peace.” Psalms 29:11. The manifestations of God in physical nature were subordinate to the doctrine of his faithfulness to his people, while the storm itself was Jehovah’s blessing of peace, and his pledge of protection. The whole seems to point to the transactions of 2 Samuel 21:1-14. The psalm is divided into five strophes. Psalms 29:1-2, the introduction; vers. 3-9, the description of the storm, which is in three parts (vers. 3, 4, the storm rising in the distant north; Psalms 29:5-7, its lowering and discharging itself upon Lebanon; Psalms 29:8-9, its passing south into Arabia and producing its effects on inanimate nature and animals and Psalms 29:10-11, the conclusion and application.