Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
Psalm 29 is a psalm declaring the voice and power of the LORD over all creation. It describes His voice as thunder upon the waters, breaking the cedars, shaking the wilderness, and ruling over the flood (vv. 3-10). The psalm opens with a call to give unto the LORD the honor that is due to Him (vv. 1-2), and then shows why such honor is fitting by setting forth His great power in the storm.
“Give unto the LORD.” This is a call to ascribe or acknowledge what already belongs to Him. Men do not add anything to God, but they are commanded to recognize His worth. As it is written, “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name” (v.2). The same language is used elsewhere: “Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength” (Psalm 96:7). This giving is done by confession, praise, and submission to His authority.
“O ye mighty.” This addresses those who are strong, whether rulers, princes, or those of great power. The call is not only for the weak, but especially for the mighty, who are often tempted to trust in their own strength. Yet all power comes from God, for “the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will” (Daniel 4:17). Even the greatest among men must humble themselves and honor the LORD, “ that no flesh should glory in his presence” (1 Corinthians 1:29).
“Give unto the LORD glory and strength.” Glory is the honor and praise due to God for who He is. Strength here is not something added to Him, but the acknowledgment of His power. Men are to declare that all strength belongs to Him. As Hannah confessed, “There is none holy as the LORD… neither is there any rock like our God” (1 Samuel 2:2). The psalm itself shows this strength in action, for “The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty” (v.4). His power is seen in creation, in providence, and in judgment.
The New Testament confirms that all glory and power belong to God and to His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever” (Matthew 6:13). And again, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing” (Revelation 5:12). What is commanded here is fulfilled as men give honor to the Father and to the Son.
This verse therefore calls all, even the strongest, to humble themselves and acknowledge the LORD’s greatness. None are exempt from this duty. As the psalm concludes, “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace” (v.11). Those who give glory to Him will find that He alone is the true source of strength and blessing.
Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
Psalm 29 is a psalm declaring the voice and power of the LORD over all creation. It describes His voice as thunder upon the waters, breaking the cedars, shaking the wilderness, and ruling over the flood (vv. 3-10). The psalm opens with a call to give unto the LORD the honor that is due to Him (vv. 1-2), and then shows why such honor is fitting by setting forth His great power in the storm.
“Give unto the LORD.” This is a call to ascribe or acknowledge what already belongs to Him. Men do not add anything to God, but they are commanded to recognize His worth. As it is written, “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name” (v.2). The same language is used elsewhere: “Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength” (Psalm 96:7). This giving is done by confession, praise, and submission to His authority.
“O ye mighty.” This addresses those who are strong, whether rulers, princes, or those of great power. The call is not only for the weak, but especially for the mighty, who are often tempted to trust in their own strength. Yet all power comes from God, for “the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will” (Daniel 4:17). Even the greatest among men must humble themselves and honor the LORD, “ that no flesh should glory in his presence” (1 Corinthians 1:29).
“Give unto the LORD glory and strength.” Glory is the honor and praise due to God for who He is. Strength here is not something added to Him, but the acknowledgment of His power. Men are to declare that all strength belongs to Him. As Hannah confessed, “There is none holy as the LORD… neither is there any rock like our God” (1 Samuel 2:2). The psalm itself shows this strength in action, for “The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty” (v.4). His power is seen in creation, in providence, and in judgment.
The New Testament confirms that all glory and power belong to God and to His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever” (Matthew 6:13). And again, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing” (Revelation 5:12). What is commanded here is fulfilled as men give honor to the Father and to the Son.
This verse therefore calls all, even the strongest, to humble themselves and acknowledge the LORD’s greatness. None are exempt from this duty. As the psalm concludes, “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace” (v.11). Those who give glory to Him will find that He alone is the true source of strength and blessing.