Psalms 29:6

KJV

He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.

KJV (with Strong's)

He maketh them also to skip {H7540} like a calf {H5695}; Lebanon {H3844} and Sirion {H8303} like a young {H1121} unicorn {H7214}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and makes the L'vanon skip like a calf, Siryon like a young wild ox.

Berean Standard Bible

He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.

American Standard Version

He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild-ox.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 29:6 vividly portrays the overwhelming power of the Lord, depicting even the most formidable natural features, the mountains of Lebanon and Sirion (Mount Hermon), as effortlessly moved by His divine voice. Through striking similes of a frolicking calf and a powerful wild ox, the verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, demonstrating that nothing, however immense or stable, can withstand His majestic command. It is a powerful testament to the untamed, limitless might of Yahweh, inspiring awe and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 29 is a majestic hymn celebrating the unparalleled power and glory of Yahweh, often referred to as "the Psalm of the Seven Thunders" due to its repeated declaration of "the voice of the Lord" (`qol Yahweh`). The psalm unfolds as a dramatic depiction of a powerful thunderstorm, moving from the Mediterranean Sea, where the voice of the Lord is "over the waters" ([Psalm 29:3](/psalms/29-3 "Psalm 29:3 - Voice on the Waters")), across the northern mountains of Lebanon and Sirion, and southward into the wilderness of Kadesh, where the voice "shakes the wilderness" ([Psalm 29:8](/psalms/29-8 "Psalm 29:8 - Voice in the Wilderness")). Verse 6 specifically intensifies the imagery introduced in the preceding verses, where the voice of the Lord "breaks the cedars of Lebanon" ([Psalm 29:5](/psalms/29-5 "Psalm 29:5 - Voice Breaking Cedars")). The "skipping" of these massive mountains is a further, more profound demonstration of the voice's irresistible force, showcasing God's absolute dominion over even the most stable elements of the earth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, mountains like Lebanon and Sirion (Mount Hermon) were not merely geographical features but symbols of permanence, strength, and stability. Lebanon was renowned for its mighty cedar trees, and Mount Hermon, with its snow-capped peaks, was the highest mountain in the region, often associated with divine power or dwelling places. For these symbols of immovability to "skip" or "dance" under the influence of God's voice would have been an incredibly potent image for the original audience, conveying a power that transcends all earthly might. Storms themselves were often perceived as direct manifestations of divine presence and power, with thunder being the very voice of the deity. The psalmist uses this familiar natural phenomenon to illustrate Yahweh's unique and overwhelming sovereignty, distinguishing Him from the lesser gods of surrounding cultures.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of Psalms 29, powerfully reinforced by verse 6, is the **Divine Power and Sovereignty** of the Lord. The imagery of immense mountains like Lebanon and Sirion being made to "skip" profoundly conveys that even the most formidable and stable earthly structures are effortlessly moved by God's command, highlighting His omnipotence and unchallenged authority over creation. This leads to the theme of **Nature as a Witness to God's Glory**; the trembling and shaking of the mountains under the thunderous voice of God are not mere physical phenomena but a visible, undeniable display of God's active presence and power, causing all who witness it to declare, "Glory!" ([Psalm 29:9](/psalms/29-9 "Psalm 29:9 - Everything Cries Glory")). Furthermore, the verse emphasizes God's **Untamed and Overwhelming Might**, suggesting an almost playful yet incredibly powerful ease with which God commands the forces of nature, underscoring a limitless strength that transcends human comprehension or resistance, much like the foundations of the earth were laid by His power ([Job 38:4](/job/38-4 "Job 38:4 - God's Foundational Power")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **skip (Hebrew, _rāqaḏ'_):** This verb (H7540) is a primitive root meaning "to stamp, i.e., to spring about (wildly or for joy); dance, jump, leap, skip." When applied to mountains, it powerfully conveys their trembling, shaking, and convulsion under God's mighty influence, suggesting an energetic, uncontrollable response to His power. It is not a gentle sway but a forceful, dynamic motion, indicating the sheer force of God's command.
* **Lebanon (Hebrew, _Lᵉbânôwn'_):** This term (H3844) refers to "(the) white mountain (from its snow); Lebanon, a mountain range in Palestine." It is a mountain range in the north, famous for its majestic cedar trees, symbolizing strength, grandeur, and stability. Its inclusion emphasizes the magnitude of the features being affected by God's voice.
* **unicorn (Hebrew, _rᵉʼêm'_):** This word (H7214) is defined as "a wild bull (from its conspicuousness); unicorn." While the KJV translates this as "unicorn," modern scholarship widely identifies the `re'em` as a powerful wild ox or aurochs, an extinct species of large, formidable cattle known for its immense strength, agility, and untamed nature. This interpretation amplifies the image of raw, untamed power and makes the comparison to mountains skipping even more impactful than a mythical creature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He maketh them also to skip like a calf;":** The "He" refers unequivocally to the Lord, Yahweh, whose powerful voice has been the subject of the preceding verses. "Them" refers to the cedars of Lebanon mentioned in the previous verse ([Psalm 29:5](/psalms/29-5 "Psalm 29:5 - Voice Breaking Cedars")) and, by extension, the mountains themselves, as clarified in the second clause. The simile "like a calf" evokes an image of youthful, energetic, and somewhat uncontrolled frolicking. This comparison is striking because it applies the light, agile movement of a young animal to massive, inert mountains, highlighting the effortless and overwhelming power of God that can make the impossible happen.
* **"Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.":** This clause specifies the "them" from the first part, naming Lebanon (H3844) and Sirion (H8303), the two most prominent and stable mountain ranges in the region. By naming them, the psalmist emphasizes the magnitude of God's power, as these are not insignificant hills but symbols of enduring strength and permanence. The simile "like a young unicorn" (or more accurately, a young wild ox/aurochs) further intensifies the imagery. The wild ox was known for its immense power, untamed spirit, and sudden, powerful movements. Comparing the mountains to such a creature underscores not just their movement, but the raw, untamed, and irresistible power that causes them to move, a power that belongs solely to God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 29:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey God's immense power. **Hyperbole** is central, as mountains literally cannot "skip" or "dance," emphasizing the extraordinary and supernatural nature of God's influence. This exaggerated imagery serves to magnify the Lord's might beyond human comprehension. **Simile** is used twice, comparing the mountains' movement "like a calf" and "like a young unicorn" (wild ox). These comparisons are highly effective, contrasting the static nature of mountains with the dynamic, agile movements of powerful animals, thereby illustrating the force and energy imparted by God's voice. Furthermore, there is an element of **Personification**, as the mountains are depicted as if they are living entities responding with vigorous, almost playful motion to the divine command. The vivid **Imagery** of massive, stable mountains suddenly leaping and trembling under the unseen power of God's voice creates a profound sense of awe and wonder, making the abstract concept of divine omnipotence tangible and impactful for the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 29:6 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence over creation. It declares that nothing in the created order, no matter how immense or seemingly unmovable, is beyond the direct and immediate control of Yahweh. This truth counters any notion of a distant or impotent deity, affirming instead a God who is actively engaged with and powerfully governs the physical world. The "voice of the Lord" is not merely a metaphor for natural forces but the active, creative, and sustaining word of God that brings order out of chaos and commands the very fabric of existence. This divine power is not chaotic but purposeful, ultimately leading to the declaration of God's glory throughout creation.

* [Psalms 114:4](/psalms/114-4 "Psalm 114:4 - Mountains Skipping")
* [Nahum 1:5](/nahum/1-5 "Nahum 1:5 - Mountains Quake Before Him")
* [Isaiah 40:12](/isaiah/40-12 "Isaiah 40:12 - God Measures the Mountains")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The imagery of mountains skipping like calves and wild oxen in Psalms 29:6 invites us to a profound encounter with the raw, untamed power of God. In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, this verse reminds us that there is a sovereign Lord whose voice alone can shake the most stable foundations of the earth. This should cultivate in us a deep sense of awe and reverence, prompting us to humble ourselves before such infinite might. It challenges our often-limited perspectives of what God can do, expanding our understanding of His capacity to act in our lives and in the world. When we face our own "mountains"—seemingly insurmountable obstacles, overwhelming anxieties, or deeply entrenched problems—this verse offers a powerful anchor of hope. The God who effortlessly makes Lebanon and Sirion dance is the same God who is our refuge and strength, capable of moving any mountain in our path, or enabling us to move through it. This truth should inspire not fear, but profound trust and a renewed motivation for worship, knowing that our God is truly in control, deserving of all praise and glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of mountains "skipping" challenge your perception of God's power and sovereignty?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God's ability to "move mountains" or overcome seemingly impossible obstacles?**
* **How does understanding God's untamed power inspire a deeper sense of awe and worship in your heart?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Lebanon and Sirion" in this verse?**

Answer: Lebanon and Sirion (Mount Hermon) are significant because they were the most prominent, majestic, and stable mountain ranges known to the ancient Israelites. Lebanon was famous for its immense cedar trees, symbolizing strength and grandeur, while Sirion was the highest peak in the region. By depicting these symbols of permanence and immovability "skipping" or "dancing," the psalmist profoundly emphasizes the overwhelming and effortless power of God. It shows that nothing in creation, no matter how grand or stable, can stand against the Lord's voice; everything is subject to His command.

**Why does the KJV say "unicorn" when modern translations say "wild ox" or "aurochs"?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated as "unicorn" in the King James Version is `re'em` (רְאֵם). In the past, the exact identity of this animal was uncertain, leading to various translations, including the mythical "unicorn" in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) and subsequently the KJV. However, modern linguistic and zoological scholarship has widely concluded that the `re'em` refers to the aurochs, an extinct species of large, powerful wild cattle. This interpretation is supported by ancient Near Eastern art and texts that depict a formidable, two-horned bovine. The wild ox was known for its immense strength, agility, and untamed nature, making it a fitting comparison for the powerful, vigorous movement of the mountains under God's influence. This correction amplifies the imagery of raw, untamed power in the verse.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 29:6, with its declaration of God's voice making mountains skip, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "voice of the Lord" that commands creation is none other than the pre-existent Word of God, through whom "all things were made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him")). Just as the Father's voice shook the earth, so too did Christ demonstrate absolute sovereignty over nature during His earthly ministry. He calmed a raging storm with a mere word, rebuking the wind and waves, causing them to obey Him instantly ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). He walked on water, defying natural laws ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Matthew 14:25 - Jesus Walks on Water")), and commanded demons to flee. This power over creation, so vividly displayed in Psalms 29, is fully embodied in Christ, who is "the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, Image of God")). Ultimately, the "voice of the Lord" that causes mountains to tremble foreshadows the voice of Christ that will one day raise the dead ([John 5:28](/john/5-28 "John 5:28 - Voice of the Son of God")), and before whom "every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Will Bow")), acknowledging His supreme and unchallenged dominion over all things, both visible and invisible.

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

Psalms 114:4

The mountains skipped like rams, [and] the little hills like lambs.

Psalms 114:7

Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob;

Numbers 23:22

God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.

Deuteronomy 3:9

([Which] Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)

Habakkuk 3:6

He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways [are] everlasting.

Habakkuk 3:11

The sun [and] moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, [and] at the shining of thy glittering spear.

Revelation 20:11

¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.