This Psalm appears to have been written during or after a storm of
particular violence. And we should recognise that when such storms
occur in Palestine they can be very violent and very vivid indeed.
Thus the very power of this storm brings home to the Psalmist the
majesty and power of YHWH. ‘Look... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PSALMIST CALLS ON THE ANGELIC HOSTS TO BEAR WITNESS TO THE GLORY
OF YHWH AS REVEALED IN A DEVASTATING STORM (PSALMS 29:1).
Psalms 29:1
‘Ascribe to YHWH, O you sons of heavenly ones (or ‘of mighty ones'
or ‘of God'),
Ascribe to YHWH glory and strength.
Psalms 29:2
Ascribe to YHWH the glory d... [ Continue Reading ]
A VIVID DESCRIPTION OF THE MIGHTY AND UNFORGETTABLE STORM (PSALMS
29:3).
The Psalmist now vividly describes the power and awesomeness of the
storm, and ends up with visualising true believers sheltering in the
Temple and crying, “Glory!” They thus join with Heaven itself
(Psalms 29:1) in ascribing... [ Continue Reading ]
THIS MIGHTY PHENOMENON, AND ITS LIMITATION, ARISES BECAUSE YHWH IS
SEATED IN POWER IN CONTROL OF HIS CREATION, PARADOXICALLY AIMING
THROUGH THE STORM TO GIVE STRENGTH TO HIS PEOPLE AND TO GIVE THEM
PEACE (PSALMS 29:10).
The end of the Psalm comes as a surprise. Far from being seen as a
judgment of... [ Continue Reading ]