FocusPrayer, the righteous, and the king
Psalms 29:1
KJVGive unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The opening collection brings individual and communal prayer into the setting introduced by Psalms 1 and 2, ending with a doxology.
- 29:1 Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
- 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Multiple writers contributed to Psalms, including David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and Moses; some psalms have no named attribution. The traditional Hebrew headings distinguish many of these contributions. Biblical references: Acts 2:25; Acts 4:25. book background
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Psalms 29:1–29:11): The mighty are summoned to give glory to the LORD; the worshipping assembly hears the description of His powerful voice. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israel's worshipping community, including individuals and assemblies using the psalms for prayer, praise, lament, and instruction. A particular psalm may speak directly to God, to the congregation, or to another group. Biblical references: Psalms 22:22; Psalms 78:1; Psalms 100:1. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Ascribe Glory to the LORD. Read Psalms 29:1 through Psalms 29:2 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The opening collection brings individual and communal prayer into the setting introduced by Psalms 1 and 2, ending with a doxology. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The collection includes different periods and occasions. A specific date is not given for every psalm, and a date inferred for one poem must not be assigned to the whole collection. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The poems refer to homes, wilderness, sanctuary, Zion, exile, and the wider creation. A poetic scene is not automatically the place where the poet composed the psalm. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Ascribe Glory to the LORD (Psalms 29:1 to Psalms 29:2). Start reading at Psalms 29:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus and the apostles apply particular psalms to Christ. Those cited applications provide firm connections; they do not justify treating every first-person statement in every psalm as directly spoken by Jesus. See Luke 24:44, Acts 2:25, Acts 2:30, Acts 2:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Bring lament, confession, thanksgiving, and praise honestly before God. Read petitions and descriptions in their poetic setting, and distinguish the psalm's speaker from the reader applying it. interpretation
Cited: Psalms 29:1, Psalms 29:2, Luke 24:44, Acts 2:25, Acts 2:30, Acts 2:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
Related passages
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Psalms 29
Psalms 1:1 Psalms 41:13 Psalms 150:6
“The voice of the LORD is upon the waters:…”
Psalms 29:3–6FocusPrayer, the righteous, and the king
“The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of…”
Psalms 29:7–9FocusPrayer, the righteous, and the king
“The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD…”
Psalms 29:10–11FocusPrayer, the righteous, and the king
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Psalms
Psalms 1:1 Psalms 41:13 Psalms 150:6
FocusPrayer, the righteous, and the king
Book II
Psalms 42:1–72:20FocusDistress, kingship, and praise
Book III
Psalms 73:1–89:52FocusThe sanctuary, the nation, and covenant questions
Book IV
Psalms 90:1–106:48FocusThe LORD's reign and Israel's history
Book V
Psalms 107:1–150:6FocusThanksgiving, pilgrimage, and concluding praise
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.