Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 29

This nature hymn in praise of the Creator declares that the Lord holds all power over nature. God uses the same unsurpassed strength to care for his people.

• The psalmist issues a call to honor the Lord for his power (see Psalm 96:7–8).

• O heavenly beings: Angels or deities who, some believed, held special powers. The psalmist did not believe in other gods but called on people who thought they were real to look to the Lord as the only God.

The Hebrew word qol can mean "voice," "noise" (1 Kings 1:45), or "thunder" (Joel 3:16). The Lord's voice is awe-inspiring and overpowers any sounds people might attribute to other gods.

The cedars of Lebanon were famous for their large size and high quality (see Isaiah 2:13).

• Lebanon’s mountains and Sirion (another name for Mount Hermon) are high mountains to the north of Israel.

• The Lord can make even huge mountains shake when he commands it (see Psalm 114:4).

The Wilderness of Kadesh was south of Judah. People could hear God's voice across the land, from the north (Psalm 29:6) to the south.

The image of strong floodwaters relates to the great flood (Genesis 6:17). The Lord rules as king over all creation. No one challenges his kingdom.

The ruler of nature blesses his people with peace (see Psalms 28:8–9; 37:11; 133:3).