In this psalm, David is considering the powerful and majestic characteristic of God and our response.
Commentary:
Psalm 29:1. The word “ascribe” is to give. And the word “mighty” in Hebrew is elim, which can means the mighty men or gods. The psalmist calls the people of God to give God the praise that rightfully belongs to Him. Two characteristics of God are emphasized in this song. They are the glory and the strength of God.
Psalm 29:2. The phrase “the glory due to His name” can be interpreted as “the glory of His name.” The name of God is glorious in two folds. The first is the weightiness of the name. The name of God shall not be mentioned casually but shall be invoked with reverence. Believers should consider the appropriateness for the timing and situation to use the name of God—both for Yahweh and our Lord Jesus Christ.
God’s name is glorious because of its profound meaning. Yahweh means “I AM.” The name speaks of the nature of eternal self-existence and signifies the indescribable characteristic of God. The Lord is greater than a mountain or the sun. He creates the eagles and all animals. There is none like God. That is why He is who He is—or I AM who I AM.
This verse is a call for people to worship in holy array. The word “worship” describes a physical movement of bowing down. The word “array” in Hebrew refers to the adornment or attire. At the time of David, not only the priest had to wear a different clothing to worship God, but others were called to worship God with holy attire (Ps 96:9). There had to be a separate set of clothing for worship. The psalmist calls the people to bow down in worship clothing.
Psalm 29:3-4. The sound of great waters is thunderous. At the bottom of the Niagara Fall, the water roars like thunder. Yet greater still is the voice of God. The voice of God covers the sound of many waters. The psalmist describes it as powerful and majestic.
Psalm 29:5-9a. The voice of God is not only loud, but its power changes thing. It breaks the cedar of Lebanon. Lebanon is the country in the north of Israel, and it was subservient to Israel in the time of David. In Kadesh, the desert home of the wandering Israelites for nearly 38 years, God’s voice was like thunder and was accompanied with fire in Mt. Sinai. The desert was lit by the pillar of fire at night. The psalmist also describes how the voice of God changed the nature.
Psalm 29:9b-11. God is glorious and worthy of praise. Everything that has breath shall praise Him. The Lord shall be the strength of His people. God’s people shall enjoy peace when they hold God up as king.
Meditation:
Many women ponder on what to dress each day. Men do not do that usually. But in consideration of the call of the psalmist of bowing before God in holy attire, all Christians should consider that each Sunday.
I recall a story about a unique baptism. We are accustomed to the white robes, usually provided by the church. This particular person showed up with a white tuxedo. Asked why he went with a tux, he replied this is the most important ceremony of his life.
It goes beyond the clothing. In consideration how great the name of God is, Christians should set out to make God’s name great in their life. Like putting on the garment, we should select the behavior we would have each day. Let that behavior be the Christ-like garment for the world to see. When there is any good comment, ascribe the praise to the triune God, the Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, we praise you for your glorious and powerful name. May the voice of God be heard in our land. May every knee bow and every tongue confess Jesus is Lord. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.