Psalms 29:5

KJV

The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.

KJV (with Strong's)

The voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068} breaketh {H7665} the cedars {H730}; yea, the LORD {H3068} breaketh {H7665} the cedars {H730} of Lebanon {H3844}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The voice of ADONAI cracks the cedars; ADONAI splinters the cedars of the L'vanon

Berean Standard Bible

The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon.

American Standard Version

The voice of Jehovah breaketh the cedars; Yea, Jehovah breaketh in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 29:5 powerfully illustrates the overwhelming and irresistible might of the Lord, continuing the psalm's central theme of God's majestic "voice" as the ultimate force in creation. This verse specifically depicts the shattering power of divine command by showing its profound effect on the most formidable and renowned natural elements—the mighty cedars of Lebanon—thereby emphasizing that nothing, whether natural or symbolic of human strength, can withstand the Lord's active presence and sovereign will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 29 is a majestic psalm of David, often characterized as a "Psalm of the Seven Thunders" due to the sevenfold repetition of the phrase "the voice of the LORD," a number in biblical numerology signifying completion and divine perfection. The psalm unfolds as a dramatic, almost cinematic, depiction of a powerful thunderstorm, beginning over the Mediterranean Sea (as implied in [Psalm 29:3](/psalms/29-3 "Psalm 29:3 - The Voice of the LORD Over the Waters")) and sweeping across the wilderness to Kadesh (as described in [Psalm 29:8](/psalms/29-8 "Psalm 29:8 - The Voice of the LORD Shakes the Wilderness")). Verses 3 and 4 establish the overwhelming power and majesty of God's voice, setting the stage for verse 5, which provides a concrete and striking illustration of this power by demonstrating its effect on the strongest trees known in the ancient world. The progression of the storm's impact builds, moving from the waters to the cedars, then to mountains, and finally to the wilderness, with each stage highlighting a new dimension of God's unchallengeable authority over all creation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "cedars of Lebanon" were legendary in the ancient Near East, celebrated for their immense size, strength, durability, and beauty. These trees could grow over 100 feet tall with massive trunks, making them highly prized for major construction projects, most notably King Solomon's Temple and his palace, as recorded in [1 Kings 5:6](/1_kings/5-6 "1 Kings 5:6 - Solomon's Request for Cedars from Hiram"). In ancient literature and thought, these cedars often symbolized stability, majesty, and even human pride or power. In a region where many cultures worshipped storm gods like Baal, who were believed to control thunder and rain, Psalm 29 deliberately reclaims this imagery. It asserts that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is the sole and supreme sovereign over all natural forces, including the most awe-inspiring and destructive. The breaking of the cedars by His voice would have been understood by the original audience as an undeniable demonstration of power far exceeding that of any pagan deity or earthly kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 29 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's Overwhelming Power and Majesty**, asserting that the "voice of the LORD" is not merely an auditory phenomenon but an active, irresistible, and transformative force that nothing in creation can withstand. This divine power is a core attribute of the Creator, demonstrating His absolute [sovereignty over all natural phenomena](/psalms/104-7 "Psalm 104:7 - God's Control Over Nature"). Secondly, the repetition ("breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon") emphasizes the **Irresistible Force** of God's will; what God purposes, He accomplishes with absolute authority and certainty. Finally, by specifically choosing the "cedars of Lebanon," the psalmist highlights the theme of **Shattering the Strongest**, illustrating that even the most impressive, seemingly unmovable, and prideful earthly structures or human achievements are utterly vulnerable and insignificant before the raw, unadulterated power of God. This serves as a humbling reminder of divine supremacy over all earthly might, echoing themes found in passages that speak of God bringing down the proud, such as [Isaiah 2:12-17](/isaiah/2-12-17 "Isaiah 2:12-17 - The Day of the LORD Against Human Pride").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Voice (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** This Hebrew term (H6963) refers to a sound, voice, or noise, often carrying the connotation of a powerful, audible utterance. In Psalm 29, its repeated use (seven times) elevates it beyond mere thunder; it signifies the active, authoritative, and audible manifestation of God's presence, command, and will. It is the divine utterance that brings about powerful effects, much like His voice in [the creation account](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks and Creation Happens") where He simply spoke, and things came into being. Here, it is depicted as a force of immense, even destructive, power.
* **Breaketh (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** This primitive root (H7665) means to burst, shatter, crush, or tear down, whether literally or figuratively. It conveys a sense of violent, decisive, and complete destruction, not merely a bending or weakening. The use of this strong verb emphasizes the absolute and devastating impact of God's voice on the cedars, implying an act of overwhelming power that leaves no doubt about its source and leaves the object utterly undone.
* **Cedars of Lebanon (Hebrew, _ʼerez Lᵉbânôwn'_):** The term "cedar" (H730, _ʼerez_) refers to a cedar tree, particularly known for its tenacity and strength. "Lebanon" (H3844, _Lᵉbânôwn_) is identified as "the white mountain" due to its snow-capped peaks. Combined, the "cedars of Lebanon" were legendary for their grandeur, height, strength, and longevity in the ancient world. They were a prime symbol of majesty, stability, and often, human pride or worldly power. By specifying these particular trees, the psalmist underscores that even the most formidable and seemingly unshakeable elements of the natural world, or anything that human beings might consider mighty or secure, are utterly vulnerable and insignificant before the Lord's power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars":** This initial declaration immediately establishes the subject (the Lord's voice) and its powerful action (breaking) upon a significant object (the cedars). It presents a direct, unequivocal statement of divine power, asserting God's active intervention and dominion over creation. The imagery is stark and immediate, conveying an irresistible force that can dismantle even the most robust natural structures.
* **"yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon":** The repetition of the phrase, introduced by the emphatic "yea" (וַיְשַׁבֵּר, _vay'shaber_ - "and he breaks"), intensifies the statement and adds a layer of certainty and emphasis. By specifying "of Lebanon," the psalmist highlights the most renowned and majestic of these trees, underscoring that even the pinnacle of natural strength and beauty is subject to God's overwhelming might. This serves to eliminate any doubt that the psalmist is referring to just any trees, but rather the most impressive and seemingly impregnable, thereby magnifying the Lord's power.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 29:5 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its message of divine power and majesty. **Repetition** is central, with the phrase "the LORD breaketh the cedars" appearing twice. This serves to emphasize the certainty, completeness, and undeniable nature of God's action, driving home the point that His power is absolute and irresistible. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first, adding the specific "of Lebanon" to underscore the magnitude and renown of the cedars being broken. **Symbolism** is profoundly at play, as the "cedars of Lebanon" are not merely trees but powerful symbols of strength, majesty, and often, human pride or earthly power and stability. Their breaking by God's voice thus symbolizes the humbling of all human might and the supremacy of divine authority. While not strictly anthropomorphism, the depiction of God's "voice" as a physical, destructive force can be seen as a form of **Personification** or **Metonymy**, where an attribute (voice) stands for the full power and presence of God Himself, making His unseen power tangible and terrifyingly real. The overall effect is one of awe-inspiring power, designed to evoke profound reverence and humble submission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 29:5 resonates deeply with core biblical truths about God's nature and His relationship with creation. It powerfully affirms God's omnipotence and absolute sovereignty, illustrating that His voice, representing His active will and presence, is an irresistible force that transcends all earthly strength and human achievement. This verse serves as a profound reminder that nothing, no matter how strong or seemingly unshakeable, can stand against the Lord. It speaks to a God who is not merely transcendent but actively involved in the world, capable of bringing down the proud and humbling all that exalts itself. This display of raw power is not arbitrary but serves to establish God's rightful place as the supreme ruler, inspiring both awe and a healthy fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom.

* [Isaiah 2:12-17](/isaiah/2-12-17 "Isaiah 2:12-17 - The Day of the LORD Against Human Pride")
* [Jeremiah 10:10](/jeremiah/10-10 "Jeremiah 10:10 - The True God vs. Idols")
* [Nahum 1:3-6](/nahum/1-3-6 "Nahum 1:3-6 - The LORD's Vengeance and Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 29:5 offers a profound call to reorient our perspective on power, security, and trust. In a world that often values human strength, material wealth, or institutional stability, this verse unequivocally declares that all such "cedars" are ultimately fragile before the Lord's voice. It compels us to cultivate a deep sense of awe and reverence for a God whose power is so immense that He can shatter the most formidable elements of creation with a mere utterance. This truth should humble us, reminding us that our accomplishments and perceived strengths pale in comparison to His majesty, fostering a healthy dependence on Him rather than on ourselves or the world. Furthermore, if the Lord's voice can break the cedars of Lebanon, then He is more than capable of handling the "storms" in our lives—our most daunting challenges, deepest fears, and the seemingly insurmountable obstacles we face. We are encouraged to find profound comfort and security in His unfailing strength, knowing that the God who controls the cosmos is intimately involved in our lives and is our ultimate refuge and source of peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does contemplating God's power as depicted in Psalm 29:5 deepen your reverence and worship of Him?**
* **What "cedars" in your life or society—whether they be institutions, ideologies, personal habits, or sources of pride—seem unshakeable, and how does this verse challenge your perspective on them?**
* **In what specific ways can trusting in the Lord's irresistible strength bring you comfort and security amidst personal or global "storms" or uncertainties?**

### FAQ
**Is "the voice of the LORD" literally thunder in this psalm?**

Answer: While "the voice of the LORD" (קול יהוה, _qol Yahweh_) is strongly associated with thunder and the imagery of a powerful storm throughout Psalm 29, it signifies more than just a meteorological phenomenon. It is a profound metaphor for God's active, powerful, and authoritative presence and command. Just as God spoke creation into existence in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), His "voice" here represents His divine utterance that brings about powerful effects, whether creative or destructive. It is the audible manifestation of His irresistible will, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all of creation, far beyond the mere sound of thunder.

**Why are the "cedars of Lebanon" specifically mentioned as being broken?**

Answer: The "cedars of Lebanon" were not just any trees; they were legendary in the ancient Near East for their immense size, strength, durability, and majestic beauty. They were highly prized for grand construction projects, including King Solomon's Temple, and symbolized stability, power, and often, human pride or worldly might. By specifying these particular trees, the psalmist makes a powerful statement: if God's voice can shatter the most formidable and seemingly impregnable elements of the natural world—those that symbolize earthly strength and human achievement—then nothing can stand against Him. It underscores the ultimate supremacy of God's power over all created things and all human endeavors, humbling any boast or perceived security outside of Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 29:5, with its declaration of the Lord's voice shattering the mightiest of trees, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "voice of the LORD," the living Word through whom all things were created and are sustained (as revealed in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Made Flesh") and [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). Just as the Lord's voice demonstrated power over creation, Jesus, during His earthly ministry, displayed this divine authority by calming raging storms with a mere word (as vividly recounted in [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and even raising the dead with His commanding voice (as seen in [John 5:25](/john/5-25 "John 5:25 - The Voice of the Son of God")). The "breaking of the cedars" powerfully foreshadows Christ's triumph over all opposing powers and authorities, including the spiritual "cedars" of sin, death, and the devil, which He decisively broke through His crucifixion and resurrection (a victory celebrated in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). Ultimately, the powerful voice of the Lord will be heard again at Christ's glorious return, when His commanding voice will literally shake the heavens and the earth, calling the dead from their graves and ushering in a new creation (a promise found in [Hebrews 12:26](/hebrews/12-26 "The Shaking of Heaven and Earth") and [1 Thessalonians 4:16](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "The Lord's Return")). The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), is the one whose voice holds all power and authority, bringing both righteous judgment and eternal salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 2:13

And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, [that are] high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan,

Judges 9:15

And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, [then] come [and] put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.

Psalms 104:16

The trees of the LORD are full [of sap]; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;