Psalm 29: The Victorious Kingship of Yahweh

A Hymn of Praise

There are seven basic types of psalms: hymn psalm, lament psalm, thanksgiving psalm, psalm of remembrance, psalm of confidence, wisdom psalm, and the kingship psalm. Some divide the kingship psalms into those that proclaim David as king and those that proclaim Yahweh as king. This psalm is called by some an enthronement psalm, and it fits in both the hymn and kingship categories. David wrote this Psalm and it is similar to the Song of the Sea (Exod 15:1–19), the oracles of Balaam (Num 23–24), and the Song of Deborah (Jdg 5). The Jews used this Psalm during the feast of Pentecost.

 I. Praise of Yahweh’s kingship vs 1–2

    A. It begins in heaven with encouragement for the mighty ones to give praise to Yahweh. vs 1

         (See Isa 6:1–4) The mighty ones are heavenly beings, the saints and angels together in an 

         assembly. Ascribe or give is an act of the mind and voice.

    B. Praise Yahweh for His glory (honor, great beauty) and strength (power) vs 1

    C. The name of Yahweh reveals who He is, His works, covenant, and words. vs 2

    D. Worship, bow down, show reverence to the sovereign King. An act of the will. vs 2  

    E. Proper dress for worship or specific praise for the majestic holiness of God. vs 2

    F. True worship responds to God with love, awe, wonder, adoration, and fear.

  

II. The glorious voice of Yahweh vs 3–9 (“voice” is used seven times)

    A. Yahweh’s voice is in the thunder storm clouds over the Mediterranean sea. vs 3

    B. Be quiet while God does His work in the thunder storm. Acts of God. vs 3

    C. God is Creator, Sustainer, and is active in His universe. Deism is wrong.

    D. This section is a description of God’s power and singing this praise like the hymn, “How 

         Great Thou Art.”

    E. Yahweh rules creation, not Mother Nature!  (See Isa 2:12–22)

    F. Behold the majesty and power of our awesome God. vs 4

    G. Yahweh’s voice is in the storm over Lebanon in the North. vs 5 (The thunder storm moves 

         from the Med. to north of Israel through Israel to the southern wilderness in this Psalm)

    H. The tall cedars are shatter by God’s lighting bolts. vs 5

    I. Mt. Lebanon and Mt. Hermon (Sirion, Deut 3:9) ten thousand feet above sea level are         shaken by Yahweh like jellow in a bowl (earthquakes) vs. 6

    J. Yahweh’s voice causes the lightening to fork. He is in charge. vs 7

    K. The heavenly assembly is praising Yahweh as He directs the storm.

    L. Yahweh’s voice moves with the storm to the southern desert. vs 8

    M. Yahweh’s voice causes the destruction of the oaks and underbrush of the wilderness. vs 9

    N. Back to heaven, everyone calls out, “Glory.” The worship of heaven is shown to us to give 

         us a pattern for worship on the earth. God voice is heard in heaven and on earth. When we 

         reflect on the mighty acts of God, we should worship Him.

III. Praise of Yahweh’s kingship vs 10–11

    A. While all nature seems to be coming undone, Yahweh reigns as King. vs 10

    B. Yahweh was enthroned during the Flood. The wicked were judged. Noah’s family was           saved by grace. vs. 10

    C. Yahweh is enthroned as King for all time. vs 10

    D. When God shows up to judge He always saves His own.

    E. God rules over sky, sea, land and wilderness.

    F. He has the power to answer your prayers.

    G. God protect His people. You can trust Him.

    H. Yahweh gives His people strength to endure. vs 11

    I. Yahweh gives His people peace. vs 11

    J. You can have joy and peace in the midst of the storm. Jesus slept during the storm. He said,          “Peace, be still” and the sea was like glass.

    K. Make sure you belong to God in a new covenant relationship. His power is awesome. His 

         words and works should cause us to praise Him, trust Him, and love Him.

    L. Bring your needs to this awesome God. He is on the throne. He rules and reigns. He is 

         active in His world.