Whenever I read the Psalms, I find myself drawn to understand David’s circumstances. Was he wounded, under attack, or celebrating a victory that led him to pen such profound words? Today, we delve into Psalms 25-30, each with its own backstory. While they are public expressions, the psalms often reveal the psalmist’s most private thoughts.
The Lord led me to Psalm 29, after a personal leading in my heart.

As I researched background information, I discovered an insightful article by respected theologian and pastor, Dr. David Schrock, who points out that Psalm 29 is the third “peak” or “mountain” in the Psalter. What caught my interest was that the second peak we discussed yesterday was Psalm 19.

Sitting on top of that mountain looking at all that God created. It is enjoying and celebrating His glory.
The Sole Sovereignty of God
You notice that the word “LORD” appears throughout Psalm 29, mentioned eighteen times in eleven verses. In the very first verse, David calls upon the “heavenly beings” to “ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.”

Joseph Benson’s commentary suggests this instruction applies not only to angels but also to the potentates and rulers of the earth, who are prone to forget God’s supreme authority and challenge Him, thinking too highly of themselves. Historically, we see many rulers, from the Pharaohs to modern leaders, who assume they are the source of their own power. They compel people to worship them—an honor reserved for God alone.

Such actions often lead to their downfall, as God will not share His praise with anyone other than His own Name, which is Jesus. This, of course, makes perfect theological sense when we understand the unity of God and Jesus.
From the Beginning of Creation
David then transitions to a series of verses about the powerful voice of God. Psalm 29:3 states, “The voice of the LORD is over the waters” (NIV). Commentaries agree that this “voice” refers to thunder, a powerful manifestation of God’s presence and might throughout this psalm.

My personal reflection on this verse takes me back to Genesis 1:2-3: “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (NIV)

Here, we see God hovering over the waters, and then we hear His voice—the very voice that starts all creation. Its power is majestic. It is the initiator of all creation, encompassing the plants (Ps. 29:5; cf. Gen 1:11), the animals (Ps. 29:6; cf. Gen 1:20), and even the dry land (Ps. 29:8; cf. Gen 1:9). David is paying homage to God for His unparalleled creative power.
To the End and Forever
But then, David also acknowledges God’s power to judge and destroy, referencing the great flood (Ps. 29:10; cf. Gen 6:8–9:17). This serves as a potent warning to world leaders: they may perceive themselves as powerful, but only God created, and only He possesses the ultimate power to destroy.

We know there will come a time when His patience will wear out, and He will bring an end to this present world, though the exact day remains unknown to us (Matt 24:36).

David does not write of the apocalypse, he focuses on God’s mercy and grace. In verses 10-11, he concludes Psalm 29 by declaring: “The LORD is enthroned as King forever. The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.”

Peace with God comes through the forgiveness of sin (Rom 5:1). When we obey the warnings presented at the beginning of this psalm and submit to God as Lord, He blesses us with true peace. Are you doing this now? Take a moment to examine yourself and consider how you measure up against the rulers David was addressing earlier in this Psalm.

Notes

David Schrock, “Glory From Beginning to End: Ten Things About Psalm 29,” David Schrock, August 9, 2019, https://davidschrock.com/2019/08/09/glory-from-beginning-to-end-ten-things-about-psalm-29/.

Joseph Benson, Benson Commentary of the Old and New Testaments, accessed June 3, 2025, https://www.bensoncommentary.com/.

The Holy Bible, New International Version. 2011. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. All biblical citations refer to this version unless otherwise noted.