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 ]