THE VOICE OF THE LORD

This is a nature psalm in which a great thunderstorm starts over the Mediterranean Sea and then comes onto the land in the mountains, dying away in the wilderness to the east. This whole scene is described in a poetic form to be sung as a hymn of praise to the Lord rather than to be a frightening experience. It gives a very powerful description of the glory of the Lord in word pictures. Nature responds to the Creator-God, who sits above all this and directs it all with "the voice of the Lord."

"The mighty" in heaven who observe this, as well as the psalmist and all who know the Lord, give glory to the Lord as they see and hear evidence of His authority and power in this great hurricane. The "mighty" are powerless to control the forces of nature. Human beings are helpless before the wind, rain, thunder, and lightning that move across the sea and land, affecting all in their path. The omnipotence of the Lord unleashes the powerful forces of nature to work the Lord's will on earth and to teach angels and men that the Lord is greatly to be feared. When His voice speaks, the wisest and mightiest created beings must stop and pay attention to that voice. With the voice of the Lord speaking through such a storm, all of mankind should stop and give glory unto the Lord that is "due unto His name." He speaks so that we will be reminded of who we are, who our Lord is, and that we give glory to Him for His strength. Such times as this produce worship and awe from our hearts that cannot be denied.

David seemed to be sitting in a safe place when that mighty storm passed through. Rather than cowering in fear, it produces a sense of awe and humility that prompts worship of the Almighty Lord, whom he writes of eighteen times in this psalm. Seven times, he writes of the "voice of the Lord," indicating he listened to the Lord throughout the whole experience. When God speaks in whatever way He chooses, we are called upon to listen, understand, and obey what He is saying and teaching us. Worship from God's people is really in spirit and truth when we have the right concept of who our Lord Jesus is. He has "all power in heaven and earth." Probably close to a million times a day, thunder and lightning speak to the people of this earth as a reminder of who the Lord is and that He cannot be manipulated or controlled by men.

The majesty of the Lord's holiness, seen in a storm, contrasts with the ugliness of sin when it has passed by. When men's sin-polluted works are done, they leave destruction and a stink of evil behind. When a storm from the Lord has passed, there is a freshness to the air and a rejuvenated return to life. There is the glory of His name in contrast to the humbling of the greatest of men when the "voice of the Lord" is heard.

Fear strikes the hearts of sea-faring men when a great storm at sea, with lightning, thunder, and wind, stirs the water all around them. Men on the ship with Jonah called upon the Lord in their sensible fear when they were in danger from "the voice of the Lord." The sights and sounds strike fear into men when confronted with the majesty and power of the Lord. Helplessness brings men to their knees to call upon the One whom many claim does not even exist.

When the storm struck the land and the mountains of Lebanon, even the great cedars could not stand before the greatness of the power of the Lord. Some broke down before the winds. The overwhelming sound of claps of thunder that accompany lightning strikes brings fear to animals and people. Dogs howl in fear. Some give premature birth to their unborn because of startling fear. Rain in torrents and howling winds that strip the leaves of trees bring fear and worship from the boldest of men.

From the heights of Mt. Hermon to the dust of the wilderness, the voice of the Lord is heard across the land, calling men to repent and humble themselves before the mighty hand of God. All who observed this great "Euroclydon" (northeaster?) from the dwelling place of God declared audibly, "Glory!" From the mighty angels in heaven to every being on earth and nature itself, when the voice of the Lord is heard, give Him glory.

To believers today, there are and will be storms of one kind or another that will come upon us, which we cannot avoid. "When the clouds unfold their wings of strife, When the storm tides lift and the cables strain," we can be thankful that we have an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast. Life-storms are to be expected. So, when or if we become frightened, overwhelmed, and uncertain, we must remember to give the Lord the glory due to His name. When life's storms are finally passed, the Lord is still on His throne, giving His people what they need most - strength and peace.

PSALM 29. God’s glory in heaven and earth reveals His power in nature. The name of the Lord appears 18 times in this psalm. A thunderstorm sweeping across the country seems to have inspired the writer. Some view this as a military power sweeping over Israel during the Tribulation. W.E. Vine sees this as a picture of Christ at the second advent of His appearing and overthrowing nations that have invaded Israel during the Tribulation.

There is an application for us today. God lets us hear His voice in the storms of life and the good times. He has everything under His control to bring about His desired end. Harry Ironside states, “And so the heart rests in Him and is at peace.” v. 1-2. HEAVENLY WORSHIP: THE SONS OF THE MIGHTY Exhortation to praise: “Mighty ones” are angels who have been faithful, and they are worshipping in heaven. The fallen angels had gained control of the bodies of men and women. As a result of these evil ones, violence came and continued on Earth. That leads to the contrast of “the beauty of holiness” with the ugliness of sin. The word (“nabbal”) flood is only here and in Gen.6:9. So it would indicate this is the King at the flood sitting in the sanctuary and gaining a mighty victory at the flood.

Worship: “the honor, reverence, and homage paid to superior beings or powers, whether men, angels or God.” Zondervan Bible Dictionary.

V. 10-11. HEAVENLY REIGN: STRENGTH FOR HIS PEOPLE

Epilogue: Again, the heavenly host sounds. The Lord is still sitting. He didn’t even rise from His throne to quell the violence stirred up by men and demons.