Psalms 29:7

The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire.

The voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068} divideth {H2672} the flames {H3852} of fire {H784}.

The voice of ADONAI flashes fiery flames;

The voice of the LORD strikes with flames of fire.

The voice of Jehovah cleaveth the flames of fire.

Psalms 29:7 (KJV): "The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire."

Context of Psalms 29:7

Psalm 29 is a majestic hymn of David that vividly portrays the awesome power and glory of God, primarily through the imagery of a powerful thunderstorm. Often called a "thunderstorm psalm," it repeatedly emphasizes "the voice of the LORD" (Hebrew: Qol Yahweh) as the active, irresistible force behind the storm's phenomena. This verse, Psalms 29:7, is part of a sequence (verses 3-9) that details the various effects of this divine voice, from breaking cedars to shaking the wilderness, and here, precisely controlling lightning.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Absolute Sovereignty Over Nature: This verse powerfully illustrates God's complete and undisputed dominion over the natural world. The "flames of fire" refer to lightning, and the act of "dividing" them signifies God's precise and deliberate control over these intense, often terrifying forces. It highlights that even the most chaotic and destructive elements of nature are fully subject to His will and command.
  • The Potency of God's Voice (Word): The repeated phrase "the voice of the LORD" throughout Psalm 29 underscores the immense power inherent in God's word and command. It is not merely an audible sound but the active, creative, and controlling force of the Almighty. Just as God spoke creation into existence (Genesis 1:3), His voice here directs and governs the storm, demonstrating that His divine word is always potent and effective.
  • Awe and Reverence for God: The vivid and dynamic imagery of the thunderstorm is intended to evoke a profound sense of awe and reverence for the Lord. The psalmist calls worshipers to acknowledge the incomparable glory and strength of God, who alone possesses the power to unleash and manage such raw power. This leads to the psalm's concluding message of God providing strength and peace to His people (Psalm 29:11).

Linguistic Insights

The recurring phrase "the voice of the LORD" (Hebrew: Qol Yahweh - קוֹל יְהוָה) is central to Psalm 29, appearing seven times to emphasize God's authoritative and powerful presence. The verb "divideth" (Hebrew: ḥōṣēḇ - חוֹצֵב) means to hew, cut, or cleave, vividly portraying the lightning bolts as if they are actively splitting or striking through the sky. "Flames of fire" (Hebrew: lahăvōt 'ēš - לַהֲבוֹת אֵשׁ) is a dramatic and literal description of lightning, emphasizing its fiery and piercing nature.

Practical Application and Reflection

For believers today, Psalms 29:7 serves as a powerful reminder of God's omnipotence and control. When we face life's "storms"—whether literal natural disasters, chaotic circumstances, or personal trials that feel overwhelming—this verse reassures us that God is ultimately in control. His voice, representing His divine will and word, has the power to bring order to chaos and to direct even the most destructive forces. It encourages us to trust in His sovereignty and to find peace in His unfailing strength, knowing that the same God who commands the lightning also cares for every detail of His creation and His people (Matthew 10:30).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 144:5

    Bow thy heavens, O LORD, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.

  • Psalms 144:6

    Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them.

  • Leviticus 10:2

    And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

  • Psalms 77:18

    The voice of thy thunder [was] in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.

  • Job 37:3

    He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.

  • Job 38:35

    Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we [are]?

  • 2 Kings 1:10

    And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I [be] a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.

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