What does Psalm 29:7 mean?
In this psalm, David celebrates God's power. In poetic form he described God's voice as a potent thunderstorm or series of earthquakes (Psalm 29:3–8). This verse refers to lightning, often described in the Bible as a form of "fire" (Exodus 9:23).Perhaps it was lightning that consumed Elijah's sacrifice at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:38). It may have been fiery lightning that consumed the men whom the king of Samaria sent to Elijah (2 Kings 1:9–14). In Job's description of God's works he credits God with decreeing rain and a way for lightning (Job 28:26). In his description of four heavenly beings, Ezekiel writes that they had the appearance of torches. When they moved, their appearance resembled "a flash of lightning" (Ezekiel 1:14).
Jesus compared His second coming to the lightning that comes from the east and shines as far as the west (Matthew 24:27). When God judges the city of Babylon in the tribulation period, flashes of lightning will strike it (Revelation 16:18). God controls all things, including lightning!
Psalm 29:3–9 uses the phrase "the voice of the LORD" seven times. Each time, the designation precedes an example of God's power over nature. God's speech represents His will: that which He commands to happen will always happen. These examples offer a strong reason to associate God with glory and to give Him worship. Psalm 8 also expresses wonder at God's creative power.
David depicts the power of God's will—referred to as His "voice"—using imagery from thunderstorms and earthquakes. He calls on heaven to praise God. The Lord's voice has the power to shatter great trees, uproot mountains, shake deserts, strip forests, and strike terror into all living things. None of these events are mere change, but God is control of them all. David asks God to provide confidence and strength to Israel as they remember His omnipotent power.
