Psalms 29:9

The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of [his] glory.

The voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068} maketh the hinds {H355} to calve {H2342}, and discovereth {H2834} the forests {H3295}: and in his temple {H1964} doth every one speak {H559} of his glory {H3519}.

The voice of ADONAI causes deer to give birth and strips the forests bare -while in his temple, all cry, "Glory!"

The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in His temple all cry, “Glory!”

The voice of Jehovah maketh the hinds to calve, And strippeth the forests bare: And in his temple everything saith, Glory.

Commentary

Psalm 29:9 continues the powerful depiction of the "voice of the LORD" that dominates this psalm, showing its overwhelming effect on the natural world and culminating in worship within His sanctuary.

Context

Psalm 29 is often referred to as a "thunderstorm psalm" or a "hymn to the divine storm." It describes the majestic and terrifying power of God as He manifests Himself through a severe storm, moving from the Mediterranean Sea (verse 3) across Lebanon and Syria (verses 5-6) and down into the wilderness (verse 8). This psalm contrasts the destructive power of a natural storm with the controlled, purposeful power of Yahweh, distinguishing the God of Israel from the storm deities of surrounding pagan cultures. Verse 9 shifts the focus from the external display of power to the internal response of worship, indicating that the awe-inspiring display in creation leads directly to praise in the sacred space.

Key Themes

  • The Omnipotent "Voice of the LORD": The central theme is the irresistible power of God's spoken word, which commands all creation. This "voice" (Hebrew: qol Yahweh) is not merely a sound but an active, creative, and transformative force that compels a response from even the most timid creatures.
  • God's Power Over Nature: The verse illustrates divine sovereignty over the natural world. The "hinds to calve" (female deer giving birth) under the storm's impact highlights the profound, even unsettling, effect of God's power on sensitive creatures. "Discovereth the forests" suggests the storm's intensity, stripping leaves or even uprooting trees, revealing what was hidden beneath, symbolizing God's power to expose and transform.
  • Worship as a Response to God's Glory: The powerful shift to "in his temple doth every one speak of [his] glory" signifies that the overwhelming display of God's power in creation naturally leads to worship and declaration of His majesty in His dwelling place. The natural phenomena serve as a prelude to spiritual awe and corporate praise.

Linguistic Insights

The repeated phrase "the voice of the LORD" (Hebrew: qol Yahweh) throughout Psalm 29 emphasizes God's active, personal involvement and supreme power. The word "discovereth" (Hebrew: chasaph) can mean "to strip bare," "to lay bare," or "to expose." This vivid imagery portrays the storm's force revealing the innermost parts of the forest, just as God's power reveals His true nature. The term "glory" (Hebrew: kavod) refers to God's weighty presence, honor, and majesty, which is the ultimate object of worship and praise.

Related Scriptures

  • The power of God's voice in creation is echoed in Genesis 1:3, where God speaks and creation comes into being.
  • The awe-inspiring manifestation of God's voice is also seen at Mount Sinai, where thunder and lightning accompany the giving of the Law.
  • The concept of God's glory filling His sanctuary is a recurring theme, notably in 1 Kings 8:11, when the cloud of the LORD's glory filled Solomon's Temple.

Practical Application

Psalm 29:9 reminds us that God's power is not confined to the past or to sacred spaces; it is active and evident throughout creation. When we witness the majesty of nature, whether a powerful storm or the intricate details of life, we are called to recognize the hand of God. This recognition should lead us, like those in the temple, to declare His glory and worship Him. It encourages us to find God's presence not only in moments of quiet devotion but also in the raw, untamed forces of the natural world, understanding that all creation testifies to His magnificent power and worthiness of praise, leading us to worship Him as Creator and Sustainer.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 46:2 (6 votes)

    Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

  • Psalms 46:5 (6 votes)

    God [is] in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, [and that] right early.

  • Ezekiel 20:46 (6 votes)

    Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop [thy word] toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;

  • Ezekiel 20:48 (6 votes)

    And all flesh shall see that I the LORD have kindled it: it shall not be quenched.

  • Psalms 26:8 (5 votes)

    LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

  • Job 39:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? [or] canst thou mark when the hinds do calve?

  • Job 39:3 (5 votes)

    They bow themselves, they bring forth their young ones, they cast out their sorrows.