Side by side
Psalm 29
Our plain-language guide next to the Bible text. Each row lines up one section with the verses it explains.
Section 1: Give God GloryVerses 1 to 2
"Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength" (29:1).
Ascribe means to give credit where it's due.
"Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness" (29:2).
1A Psalm of David. Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 2Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.
Section 2: The Voice of the LORDVerses 3 to 9
"The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders" (29:3).
"The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic" (29:4).
The storm moves inland. It snaps the giant cedars of Lebanon.
It makes the mountains jump like calves.
Lightning flashes. The storm shakes the desert and strips the forest bare.
"And in His temple all cry, "Glory!"" (29:9).
3The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders; the LORD is heard over many waters. 4The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic. 5The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon. 6He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. 7The voice of the LORD strikes with flames of fire. 8The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh. 9The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in His temple all cry, “Glory!”
Section 3: Strength and PeaceVerses 10 to 11
"The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever" (29:10).
The storm doesn't rule. God does.
"The LORD gives His people strength; the LORD blesses His people with peace" (29:11).
A psalm that starts with thunder ends with peace.
10The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever. 11The LORD gives His people strength; the LORD blesses His people with peace.
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