Chapter 29: The Theophanic Thunderstorm

I. DIRECTION TO THE HEAVENLY THRONG (r-2). Greatness and Glory. "The Lord" (objectively) four times. Summons to the "Strong." II. DESCRIPTION OF THE HEAVY THUNDERSTORM (3-9 ). "The Voice of the Lord" seven times. It is Pervading-Powerful Penetrating. ill. DECLARATION OF THE HAPPY THEME (ro-rr). Government and Grace. "The Lord,, (subjectively) four times. Solace for the Saints. r. God's Government (ro). 2. God's Gifts (n). SUPERSCRIPT.-A psalm of David.

PRIMARY AssocIATION.-Written by David, but at what point in his history is uncertain. The psalm forms a fitting sequel to xxviii., the "voice" of Jehovah responding to the "voice" of David, xxvii. 2. Both psalms end similarly. Pss. xxv.-xxix. form a connected series, the "integrity" of xxv. 21 is the main theme of xxvi.; xxvi. 8 links with xxvii. 4-5; the exhortation of xxvii. 14 becomes the experience of xxviii. 6-7; the predicted judgment of xxvii. 4-5 with its manifestation and results seen in xxix. "To the devout Israelite ... all the terrible phenomena of the sub-tropical thunderstorm were an expression of the majesty of the Eternal Sovereign of the Universe," c£ xviii. Note the: (a)_ Visible Approach (3); (b) Violent Outburst (in the north) (4-6); (c) Vivid Lightnings (7); (d) Vast Sweep (towards· the south) (8-9); (e) Vibrant Chorus (9c). The progress of the storm is thus graphically described. The "Voice of Jehovah" here is like seven successive peals of thunder, c£ Rev. x. 3-4. PROPHETIC ANTICIPATI0N.-Here we see depicted in typical lan guage the great judgment-storm of Jehovah in which He will break down all opposition in the world. ( the focal point being the land of Palestine). He will then sit enthroned as universal ruler receiving the homage of earth's mighty ones, to which 1-2 may prophetically.refer. Verse 9 seems to hint at the re-birth of the Jewish nation hastened by God's awful visitation. There will be a "stripping of the forest," but a remnant delivered. The outcome, not only for Israel but for the world, is seen to be perfect blessing and abiding peace (ii). In prophetic language "trees" symbolise individual pōtentates; and thl mountains represent ear y governments. PERSONAL APPLICATION.-A song of the storm. Here we find solace for the storm-tossed soul... The storms pass, but God ever remains the Governor in His universe and the Guardian of His people. To the saints the God of Power is finally manifested as the God of Peace (11). There is a rainbow in the storm-cloud (11). He gives strength during the storm and peace after the storm. The true viewpoint fo_r the saints is ever that of heaven (9c). Link the marginal reading of xxix. 9 with that of xxvii. 4. VERSE NOTES I. C£ I Chron. xvi. 28-29, also the three-fold ascription, Isa. vi. 3. The manifestation of divine glory on earth is the occasion of the summons to worship; see note under "Prophetic Anticipation"; "give," i.e. ascribe.

2. "glory . . . name," i.e. His glory as revealed in the world, here primarily in nature; "in holy array," or adorning, i.e. like the priests (Exod. xxviii. 2), but in spiritual reality, not mere outward symbol; cf. xcvi. 9. " . " "th d " E d S 8 cf: P voice, trans. un er at xo . xx. I ; I am. Xll. 17-I , . s. XVlll. 13; "many waters," f.e. those collected in the dense masses of storm-clouds. God often interposed on behalf of His people by sending a terrible thunderstorm, see Exod ix. 23-25, Josh. x. II, cf. Rev. viii. 7; xvi 17-21; (c) br. as A.V. 4. Seven thunders, see Isa. ii. 19. 6 "s· . " . H mon, i.e. ermon. 7. (a) i.e. the forked lightnings. 9. (a) i.e. prematurdy in fear: an observed fact; (c) or, "While in His temple, all Gl all r· th 1 are saying, ory, or, . . . o 1t uttere g ory. IO. "Jehovah sat enthroned at the Flood," cf. Gen. vi.-xi. The Noahic flood was a typical example Ťf divine judgment in which God overwhelmed the wicked and preserved His remnant people. World judgment will be repeated in a coming day, cf. Luke xvii. 26 ff. II. C£ xxviii. 8-9.