King James Version
What Does Psalms 29:5 Mean?
“The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.”
Context
3
The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters. many: or, great
4
The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. powerful: Heb. in power full: Heb. in majesty
5
The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.
6
He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.
7
The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire. divideth: Heb. cutteth out
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5*)* **The voice of the Lord breaketh.**—Better more literally, *The voice of Jehovah breaking the cedars, and Jehovah hath shivered the cedars of Lebanon. *(The verb in the second clause is an intensive of that used in the first.) The range of Lebanon receives the first fury of the storm. Its cedars, mightiest and longest-lived of Eastern trees, crash down, broken by the violence of the wind. (For cedar, see 2Samuel 7:2.) It has been objected that the thunder should not be made the agent in the destruction; but comp. Shakespeare—
“And thou, all-shaking thunder,
Smite flat the thick rotundity o’ the world!
Crack Nature’s moulds, all germens spill at once.
That make ingrateful man!*”—King Lear, *Acts 3, sc. 2.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 29:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 29:5
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge